New York Attorney General Letitia James has expressed concern over the Trump administration's reduction in federal workforce affecting the World Trade Center Health Program. In a statement, she described these actions as "flat-out cruel," highlighting their impact on 9/11 first responders and survivors who rely on the program for essential health care.
The World Trade Center Health Program was established in 2011 to provide medical treatment to over 132,000 individuals affected by the September 11 attacks. Recent reports indicate that staffing cuts, prompted by buyout offers and firings of probationary civil service staff under the Trump administration, have significantly impacted this program. According to advocates for the 9/11 community, there has been a 20 percent reduction in staff, which is expected to hinder patient care efforts.
Attorney General James emphasized that those who made sacrifices during the attack deserve respect and proper care from their government. She called for an immediate reversal of these cuts, stating they are "unacceptable."