Fired *Again*: HHS Employees Told Their Work Isn’t in the ‘Public Interest'

Fired *Again*: HHS Employees Told Their Work Isn’t in the ‘Public Interest'

On Mother’s Day weekend, many probationary employees at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) who had been reinstated under court order, received an unwelcome surprise—a new notice of termination, effective immediately, because their employment “does not advance the public interest.” I received these letters; it is hard to describe what was more galling—to be told that my role as the Ombuds for Unaccompanied Children was not advancin…

Breaking: FDA, HHS Seek Public Input on Cutting Rules

On May 13, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a public Request for Information to “identify and eliminate outdated or unnecessary regulations.” The 60-day public comment period opened earlier this week and encourages stakeholders to submit their ideas for deregulatory actions. According to the press release, under President Trump’s Executive Order 14192, HHS will…