Ex-FDA commissioners criticize DOGE cuts to agency workforce
Three former FDA commissioners criticized cuts made by DOGE, calling them among the worst disasters in U.S. history. They said the reductions stripped the agency of institutional knowledge that will take years to rebuild. The officials defended the FDA's workforce and mission.
The cuts could affect how quickly the FDA reviews and monitors products, potentially influencing patients, clinicians, and manufacturers who rely on regulatory decisions. A loss of experienced staff may slow some processes or reduce oversight capacity, though the full effects would depend on how the agency adapts. The public may feel these changes through access to treatments, device safety, and food or drug oversight. The debate may also shape trust in federal health institutions and future workforce recruitment. Need under 90 words. Count: The1 cuts2 could3 affect4 how5 quickly6 the7 FDA8 reviews9 and10 monitors11 products12, potentially13 influencing14 patients15, clinicians16, and17 manufacturers18 who19 rely20 on21 regulatory22 decisions23. A24 loss25 of26 experienced27 staff28 may29 slow30 some31 processes32 or33 reduce34 oversight35 capacity36, though37 the38 full39 effects40 would41 depend42 on43 how44 the45 agency46 adapts47. The48 public49 may50 feel51 these52 changes53 throu