The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Thursday that about 10,000 full-time employees will soon lose their jobs.

Secretary Donna Shalala criticized the Trump administration’s efforts to cut back the department she once led, calling it an insult that puts

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed on Thursday slammed a plan by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lay off thousands of agency employees as short-sighted and jeopardizing public health.

Some components will be hit harder than others as the department says it is still eyeing ways to further "streamline its operations and agencies."

The Department of Health and Human Services will lay off 10,000 full-time employees and save taxpayers $1.8 billion annually in a dramatic restructuring move.

Many HHS department heads and employees were unaware of plans to fire some 10,000 employees until they were publicly announced Thursday, sources said.

The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Thursday that about 10,000 full-time employees will soon lose their jobs, on top of the nearly 10,000 who have already left the agency in the last few months through buyout offers or early retirements.

The Health and Human Services Department plans include virtually eliminating some offices focused on HIV prevention as well as minority health.