The Trump administration has officially shuttered the HHS Office of Long COVID Research and Practice, redirecting resources as part of a strategic reorganization. This decision signals a shift in how the government addresses post-COVID conditions that affect millions of Americans, and signals that the government is siding with the many professionals who simply don’t believe Long COVID is real.
At a glance:
• The Trump administration is closing the HHS Office of Long COVID Research and Practice as part of a government reorganization
• The office, established in 2023 under President Biden, was tasked with coordinating government-wide strategy for Long COVID
• Between 6% of U.S. adults (CDC estimate) and up to 23 million Americans (NIH estimate) suffer from Long COVID
• There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for Long COVID, and many physicians remain uncomfortable diagnosing it
• The NIH’s $1 billion Recover Initiative for Long COVID clinical trials will reportedly continue despite the office closure
Trump Administration Streamlines COVID Response
The Department of Health and Human Services has announced the closure of its Office of Long COVID Research and Practice as part of the Trump administration’s broader reorganization efforts. The office, which was established in 2023 during President Biden’s term, was designed to coordinate government-wide strategies for addressing the long-term effects of COVID-19.
HHS officials delivered the news through an internal email, explaining that the closure is part of the administration’s reorganization plans rolling out this week.
“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,” wrote Ian Simon in the announcement to staff.
The office was originally created to focus on “government-wide coordination of Long COVID strategy, planning, and activities to address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, integrated into the HHS mission to improve health in disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations across the nation.” Staff members were not informed about their future employment status or given a specific timeline for the office’s closure.
Millions Allegedly Affected With No Approved Treatments
Long COVID allegedly continues to affect a significant portion of the American population, though exact numbers remain disputed. The CDC estimates approximately 6% of U.S. adults suffer from long COVID symptoms, while the NIH suggests the number could be as high as 23 million Americans.
Despite these concerning figures, there are currently no FDA-approved treatments specifically for Long COVID – in part because nobody can really confirm that it’s real. Many physicians remain uncomfortable diagnosing the condition for that reason and more.
Research Efforts Continue Despite Office Closure
Despite concerns from patient advocates, the Trump administration has indicated that significant research initiatives will continue. The NIH’s $1 billion Recover Initiative, which funds clinical trials related to Long COVID, is expected to remain operational even as the dedicated office closes.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously expressed a commitment to addressing chronic diseases, which includes Long COVID – and his proposed research would even consider the possibility that it isn’t real.
Health experts are divided on the impact this closure will have on overall Long COVID research and patient support. Some HHS employees have expressed concern that shuttering the office could hinder collaboration, communication, and social services for patients suffering from post-COVID conditions.
