STAT+: What was lost at the FDA

STAT PlusA STAT Examination What was lost at the FDA A year after DOGE’s cuts, six FDA staffers describe the work they never thought they’d leave By Lizzy LawrenceMay 7, 2026 Lawrence spent hours speaking with six FDA insiders for this story. She closely covers the agency for STAT. Lizzy Lawrence[email protected]Lizzy Lawrence leads STAT’s coverage of the Food and Drug Administration. She was previously a medical devices reporter. You can reach Lizzy on Signal at lizzylaw.53. Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article WASHINGTON — After defending the Trump administration’s dramatic health cuts as a solution to bureaucratic bloat, the health department’s leaders are beginning to realize that a demoralized, diminished workforce will not help them achieve their goals. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired around 3,500 workers from the Food and Drug Administration last year. He’s now aiming to hire more than 3,200, including scientific reviewers and investigators. As of late April, the FDA has hired about 350.Advertisement HHS leaders have now acknowledged that earning the trust of and retaining staff is a priority. Spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the FDA is “actively investing in its workforce to ensure continuity of expertise and prevent the loss of critical institutional knowledge.” Marty Makary, the FDA commissioner, has touted the plan in media appearances and town halls over the past few months. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In drug development, FDA, HHS, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Lizzy Lawrence FDA Reporter Lizzy Lawrence leads STAT’s coverage of the Food and Drug Administration. She was previously a medical devices reporter. You can reach Lizzy on Signal at lizzylaw.53. Recommended A STAT Examination March 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Health care jobs growth is stagnating at the biggest for-profit firms A STAT Examination March 9, 2026 STAT Plus: After UnitedHealth moved in, Oregon sought to rein in corporate health care. Now, it’s facing an early test Advertisement A STAT Examination March 9, 2026 STAT Plus: As controversial decisions mount, FDA shuns public advisory meetings A STAT Examination February 6, 2026 TrumpRx claims to offer the lowest prices. But many drugs have cheaper generics A STAT Examination December 23, 2025 Trump administration’s plan to shrink vaccine schedule sends health sector scrambling Subscriber Picks