In a move that has stirred controversy, the Trump administration is shutting down the HHS Office of Long COVID Research and Practice. The decision comes as part of a broader reorganization effort within the Department of Health and Human Services, raising questions about the future of research into a condition affecting potentially millions of Americans.
At a glance:
• The Trump administration is closing the HHS Office of Long COVID Research and Practice as part of a reorganization
• The office was established in 2023 under President Biden’s administration to coordinate government-wide strategy for Long COVID
• Estimates suggest between 6% and 23 million Americans may be affected by Long COVID
• Staff were not informed about their future employment status or timeline for the office’s closure
• The NIH’s $1 billion Recover Initiative for long COVID clinical trials will reportedly continue
Biden-Era Office Shuttered Under Trump Administration
The Department of Health and Human Services has announced the closure of its Office of Long COVID Research and Practice through an internal email. The office, established in 2023 under President Biden’s administration, was tasked with coordinating a government-wide strategy for understanding and treating long COVID.
The email sent to staff stated, “We are writing to let you know that the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice will be closing as part of the administration’s reorganization coming this week. We are proud of what we have accomplished together advancing understanding, resources, and support for people living with Long COVID.”
According to documents obtained by Politico, staff members were left in the dark regarding their future employment status. The announcement has generated significant backlash from patient advocates and some healthcare professionals who view the office as critical to addressing long COVID challenges.
Contradictions with RFK Jr.’s Promises
The closure of the Long COVID office appears to contradict statements made by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his confirmation hearings. Kennedy had previously expressed a commitment to focusing on chronic diseases, which would include conditions like Long COVID.
“At his confirmation hearing, Secretary Kennedy made a commitment that HHS would continue investing in Long Covid research – shutting down this office is not the way to do that,” said Ezra Spier, a patient advocate concerned about the closure’s impact on millions of Americans dealing with long-term COVID effects.
The CDC estimates approximately 6% of U.S. adults currently suffer from long COVID symptoms. The NIH provides an even more sobering estimate, suggesting up to 23 million Americans may be affected by the condition, which can cause debilitating symptoms months or years after initial infection.
Research Continuity and Political Reactions
Despite the office closure, sources indicate the NIH’s $1 billion Recover Initiative for long COVID clinical trials will continue operating. However, health policy experts warn that eliminating the coordinating office could lead to increased costs, duplication of efforts, and reduced effectiveness in addressing patients’ needs.
Senator Tim Kaine, who has openly discussed his own experience with long COVID, criticized the administration’s decision. “The decision to abandon Long COVID efforts that support and improve care for the millions of Americans suffering from this condition is unacceptable,” Kaine stated, suggesting the move was related to cost-cutting to fund tax breaks.
But when nobody can even agree it’s real, and many doctors say it isn’t, shouldn’t this decision be far less controversial than it is?
