HHS Reduces Staff for Public Records Requests Amid Transparency Promises

April 3, 2025 - 10:40

In a surprising move, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has significantly downsized the teams responsible for handling public records requests. This decision comes despite previous commitments from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to promote 'radical transparency' within the agency.

The layoffs have raised concerns among advocates for open government and transparency, who argue that reducing staff dedicated to fulfilling public records requests could hinder public access to vital information regarding health policies and decisions. Critics fear that this action may lead to delays in the processing of requests and a decrease in accountability within health agencies.

The implications of these changes are far-reaching, as public records are essential for fostering trust between the government and the citizens it serves. With transparency being a key component of effective governance, the reduction in personnel raises questions about HHS's commitment to openness and the ability of the public to access important health-related information.