FDA staff cuts leave agency scrambling to rebuild workforce after 3,500 layoffs

The Food and Drug Administration dismissed roughly 3,500 employees last year as part of a health‑policy push to reduce what officials called bureaucratic bloat. The mass layoffs have left the agency with a demoralized and diminished staff, according to six insiders who spoke with STAT.

Health and Human Services officials have announced a hiring effort targeting more than 3,200 positions, including scientific reviewers and investigators. As of late April, only about 350 new hires have been added, far short of the stated goal.

Agency spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the FDA is now "actively investing in its workforce to ensure continuity of expertise and prevent the loss of critical institutional knowledge." Commissioner Marty Makary has highlighted the recruitment plan in recent media appearances and town‑hall meetings.

The staffing shortfall raises concerns about the FDA's capacity to carry out its regulatory responsibilities, from drug approvals to safety monitoring, at a time when the industry expects timely and expert review.