FIRED
BUT FIGHTING

A coalition of fired HHS employees and allies.

Unqualified Jim O’Neill “Acting”
Expiration Countdown

CDC sign on a white building with blue accents, under a cloudy sky.

In 2025, thousands of HHS employees were abruptly terminated and RIF’d under the guise of performance management and workforce reduction. Fired But Fighting is a network of current and former HHS professionals, including scientists, communicators, policy analysts, and public health experts, who are standing together to demand public health as a vital government service. We are speaking out not just for ourselves, but for the future of public service and the protection of public health.

STATEMENT ON CDC LEADERSHIP RESIGNATIONS

Over the last seven months, countless civil servants at CDC and across the country have been forced to confront their “line in the sand,” a point at which this administration demands something so dangerous and so unethical that it defies both science and the oath we made to the Constitution. We stand in solidarity with the CDC leaders who made the difficult but courageous decision to resign in defense of science, integrity, and the health of the American people. These resignations send a clear signal: The escalating attacks on public health are so egregious that people with irreplaceable institutional knowledge feel barred from fulfilling the mission to build a healthier America. Enough is enough.

For decades, CDC has worked across administrations, upholding its oath to protect health and save lives in our country and around the world. Public health only works when guided by evidence and free from political interference, misinformation, or weaponization. This moment follows last week’s mass firings at CDC and a targeted, deadly shooting just three weeks ago. While the public health workforce endures continued attacks and loses its scientific leadership, it leaves CDC and the country less safe and dangerously unprepared for the next emergency.

The leaders who resigned did so not for themselves, but for the American people. This should not be taken lightly, and their message must be heard. Public health must remain nonpartisan, evidence-based, and steadfast in its mission to save lives.

Secretary Kennedy’s actions will not “make America healthy” when he is only surrounding himself with yes men who will confirm his long-held anti-science beliefs. In fact, in May of this year, the Secretary told Congress, “I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.” It’s time to heed that warning. It’s time for accountability. It’s time for Congress to act. And it’s long past time for RFK Jr. to resign.

In solidarity,

Fired but Fighting

Other Breaking News and Announcements

Fired But Fighting is proud to partner with CDC Alumni & Friends, 27 uNIHted, Save Health Research, and many public health experts to submit a signed letter to RFKJ calling out his part in dismantling America’s public health infrastructure and endangering the nation’s health through the deliberate spreading of disinformation. Read and Sign>
The preliminary injunction protecting some HHS staff from being formally separated has been narrowed. To learn more, read the court motion and AFGE’s summary.
Introducing the National Public Health Coalition: The Fired But Fighting team has incorporated under the name National Public Health Coalition. We are currently in the process of filing for nonprofit status. Keep an eye out for emails from @nationalphc.org and news about this exciting new chapter.