Leadership Shakeup at HHS Ahead of Midterm Elections

Two senior officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill and General Counsel Mike Stuart, are set to leave their positions as part of a broader restructuring aimed at refocusing the agency's priorities ahead of the midterm elections. This decision follows a year into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure as Secretary of HHS. O’Neill, who has been acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since August 2025, has faced criticism for his controversial stance on vaccine policies and Medicaid fraud concerns. His departure is seen as part of an effort to shift HHS's focus toward less divisive issues, such as drug pricing and food safety.

STAT (News)CNN

The leadership changes at HHS come amid discussions among Trump administration officials about enhancing the department's public messaging and policy priorities. The White House is reportedly planning to make healthcare a central theme in its midterm strategy, emphasizing initiatives to lower drug prices and promote healthier eating. In conjunction with the departures, four political appointees have been elevated to more senior roles within the department, including Chris Klomp, who has been appointed as the new chief counselor at HHS. Klomp is expected to oversee daily operations and is recognized for his involvement in the administration's drug price initiatives.

CNN

The exits of O’Neill and Stuart have raised concerns regarding the ongoing leadership instability at the CDC, which has seen significant turnover in recent months. Critics argue that the frequent changes in leadership could undermine the agency's effectiveness, particularly in addressing public health crises. O’Neill's tenure was marked by a lack of engagement with CDC staff, according to former agency leaders. Additionally, Stuart's role in investigating Medicaid fraud, particularly in Democratic-led states, has drawn scrutiny and could be perceived as politically motivated.

CNN

While HHS and the White House have not provided comments on the departures, a White House official indicated that the changes were intended to align HHS with the administration's focus on "good policy wins" in less contentious areas. The official emphasized that the adjustments were not aimed at curtailing Kennedy's authority but rather at enhancing the department's operational effectiveness.

CNN

As the midterm elections approach, the White House is expected to continue reshaping HHS's leadership to better align with its healthcare agenda. The appointment of Chris Klomp as chief counselor is a significant step in this direction, as he is anticipated to play a crucial role in managing the department's operations and advancing its policy initiatives. The ongoing leadership transitions at the CDC, however, may pose challenges in maintaining continuity and public trust in the agency's public health efforts.

CNN

• “The White House official, granted anonymity to speak freely, said the changes HHS made to reduce the number of recommended childhood vaccines had addressed the president’s directive to revisit the childhood vaccine schedule.” — White House Official

STAT (News)