In a shocking turn of events, over 200 federal workers dedicated to monitoring coal miners’ health have been abruptly laid off, jeopardizing essential health screenings for black lung disease in West Virginia. The drastic cuts come as part of a controversial $160 billion reduction linked to the unregulated DOGE initiatives promoted by prominent figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) announced that these layoffs occurred earlier this month, effectively dismantling a program crucial for providing health care to miners, who are among the most vulnerable workers in America. Without these screenings, long-term health risks for coal miners, particularly black lung disease—which is alarmingly prevalent in Appalachia—could skyrocket.

Jacob Soboroff, NBC News correspondent, reported that this decision has left coal miners anxious and angry, as they face the grim reality of working in dangerous conditions without the necessary health protections. NIOSH workers, previously engaged in crucial research and screenings, have been locked out of their facilities, with their equipment and ongoing studies now inaccessible.

This decision comes just days before President Trump signed an executive order aimed at expanding coal mining operations, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to miner welfare. In a memo, NIOSH indicated that the reinstatement of these workers would be temporary, with intentions to transfer responsibilities to the CDC—leaving many skeptical about the future of miner health programs.

Coal miners are voicing their fears about the implications of these cuts. Without adequate health screenings, they worry for their lives and the lives of their colleagues. As this situation unfolds, the urgent need for action to protect the health of America’s coal miners has never been more critical. The ramifications of these layoffs could be catastrophic, as miners plead for the swift restoration of their essential health services.