A Lifeline Under Attack

New York, N.Y. — For more than 137,000 first responders, survivors, and families affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program has been a critical lifeline—providing free medical care for cancers, respiratory diseases, PTSD, and other conditions linked to Ground Zero toxins.

But now, that lifeline is fraying under the Trump administration’s sweeping federal workforce cuts, leaving heroes who sacrificed their health in the nation’s darkest hour in fear and uncertainty.

Staffing Cuts Paralyze Care

In February 2025, the Trump administration fired thousands of probationary federal employees, including 20% of the WTC Health Program’s staff—social workers, nurses, and researchers essential for patient care.

Then, on April 1, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced mass layoffs at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which oversees the program.

Among those initially terminated was Dr. John Howard, the program’s administrator, whose reinstatement came only after fierce bipartisan backlash.

For more than 137,000 first responders, survivors, and families affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program has been a critical lifeline—providing free medical care for cancers, respiratory diseases, PTSD, and other conditions linked to Ground Zero toxins.

But 16 staff members in Cincinnati and Morgantown were not so lucky—their positions were eliminated entirely, crippling the program’s ability to:

• Certify new patients for enrollment
• Approve cancer treatments and high-cost procedures
• Process petitions to expand covered conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases, cardiac issues)
• Oversee research grants studying 9/11-related illnesses.

But now, that lifeline is fraying under the Trump administration’s sweeping federal workforce cuts, leaving heroes who sacrificed their health in the nation’s darkest hour in fear and uncertainty.

“This Is Bureaucratic Cruelty”

Michael Barasch, a lawyer representing thousands of 9/11 survivors, called the cuts “bureaucratic cruelty.” Many of his clients—firefighters, cops, office workers—now face delayed chemotherapy, unchecked PTSD, and unanswered questions about whether their next doctor’s visit will be covered.

“You’ve got people with PTSD from picking up body parts that day—now their anxiety is skyrocketing,” Barasch said. “Who’s going to pay for my chemotherapy? Do I go for my annual physical? Is that still scheduled?”

Andrew Ansbro, a 9/11 first responder diagnosed with WTC-linked skin cancer, fears his next treatment won’t be approved:
“If I was diagnosed with another skin cancer tomorrow, it’s not getting treated. Because no one at NIOSH is left to approve it.”

Political Backlash and Broken Promises

The cuts have sparked rare bipartisan fury. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) condemned the administration for using “our nation’s heroes as political pawns,” while Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) led GOP efforts to reinstate Dr. Howard, calling the firings an “unfortunate mistake.”

Even Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who helped pass the Zadroga Act establishing the program, accused RFK Jr. of breaking a promise: “He committed to protecting this program. These firings break that promise.”

A Pattern of Disregard

This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has targeted the WTC Health Program. In 2018, it proposed dismantling NIOSH, and earlier in 2025, it attempted to cut research grants before reversing course under pressure. Advocates warn these “chainsaw” cuts—not “scalpel” efficiencies—are deliberate, jeopardizing a program meant to last until 2090.

What Comes Next?

While Dr. Howard’s return offers a glimmer of hope, staffing shortages persist, and long-term funding remains uncertain. With over 81,000 enrollees already suffering from certified 9/11 illnesses, the human cost of these cuts could be deadly.

As John Feal, a leading 9/11 advocate, starkly put it: “This is the most reckless, vile act against the 9/11 community since September 11 itself.”

For the heroes of that day, the fight for care is far from over.

9/11 Responders Face Devastating Health Cuts Under Trump (April 14, 2025)

#NeverForgetTheHeroes #SaveWTCHP #BureaucraticCruelty
#TrumpHealthCuts #FirstRespondersDeserveBetter
#ZadrogaAct #HealthcareForHeroes #911HealthCrisis

TAGS: 9/11 first responders, World Trade Center Health Program,
Trump administration cuts, HHS layoffs, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,
Dr. John Howard, Zadroga Act, NIOSH, CDC, bipartisan backlash