Former HHS secretary, Rep. Donna Shalala talks impacts of DOGE cuts
CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede interviewed former Rep. Donna Shalala about cuts made by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE.
Shalala, who was also the president of the University of Miami from 2001 through 2015 and the former HHS secretary during the Clinton administration, shared how the cuts, orchestrated by Musk, will impact not only her former department but also everyday Americans.
In March, HHS announced plans to cut an additional 10,000 full-time workers and consolidate its divisions as part of President Donald Trump's DOGE efforts.
In a statement, the department said it would also "streamline" department functions by reducing the number of divisions from 28 to 15, which includes the addition of a new Administration for a Healthy America, and slashing the number of regional offices in half, from 10 to five. HHS cited "redundant units" as its motive for cutting the divisions.
The new job cuts add to existing departures from early retirements to those who accepted a deferred resignation offer known as "Fork in the Road." When taken together, they bring the total size of the department from 82,000 full-time workers down to 62,000, according to the agency.
Guest: Donna Shalala/Former HHS Secretary
