In a sweeping move on Tuesday, the Trump administration eliminated the entire federal staff overseeing the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), raising concerns about the program’s future. The layoffs were part of a larger purge at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where about 10,000 positions were cut under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
LIHEAP provides critical financial support to low-income households for heating and cooling costs. With extreme weather and inflation driving up utility bills, consumer advocates warn that slashing the program’s infrastructure could have devastating effects.
Former HHS official Andrew Germain, who oversaw LIHEAP operations, said the program could “crumble from within” without federal oversight. Around $400 million in aid has yet to be distributed for this year.
The cuts also come amid warnings that tariffs announced under Trump’s “Liberation Day” economic agenda could raise utility costs by up to 20% in some regions.
“This undermines the ability of the program to function,” said Mark Wolfe, director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. Lawmakers like Rep. Rosa DeLauro condemned the move, warning: “Americans will die because of these senseless and irresponsible actions.”
