Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Fires Top Aides in Sudden HHS Shakeup/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly fired two senior aides, signaling a leadership shakeup just months into his tenure. The ousted officials include his chief of staff and deputy policy chief. The department faces staffing gaps amid major policy initiatives and scrutiny over vaccine reforms.
Quick Looks
- RFK Jr. fires chief of staff, policy deputy
- HHS faces leadership void during key health initiatives
- Matt Buckham appointed acting chief of staff
- Firings tied to loss of confidence, sources say
- Department tackling vaccine policy overhaul, food priorities
- Kennedy yet to name permanent replacements for top aides
- Fired officials previously served in GOP and Trump circles
- HHS under scrutiny amid growing health policy debates
Deep Look
RFK Jr. Fires Two Top Aides in Sudden HHS Leadership Shakeup
WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed two of his top aides in a surprising leadership shakeup that comes only months into his tenure overseeing the vast federal health department, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Kennedy this week ousted Heather Flick Melanson, his chief of staff, and Hannah Anderson, deputy chief of staff for policy. Both had joined HHS earlier this year and were key figures helping steer the department’s ambitious agenda, which includes significant changes to vaccine policy and other public health priorities.
A person close to the situation said Kennedy lost confidence in the pair’s performance as part of his senior team, though it was unclear if a specific incident triggered the firings.
Matt Buckham Steps In as Acting Chief of Staff
In a statement, an HHS spokesperson confirmed the personnel changes and announced that Matt Buckham, the department’s White House liaison, would serve as acting chief of staff.
“He brings valuable experience in personnel strategy and organizational management to this new role,” the spokesperson said. “Secretary Kennedy thanks the outgoing leadership for their service and looks forward to working closely with Mr. Buckham as the Department continues advancing its mission to Make America Healthy Again.”
Kennedy has not yet announced permanent replacements for either position, leaving him to fill critical leadership roles during a period of heightened scrutiny and policy change.
High-Profile Departures Raise Questions
Flick Melanson was regarded as one of Kennedy’s most seasoned Washington insiders, having previously served in top HHS roles during former President Donald Trump’s first term. Her tenure included stints as acting general counsel and acting secretary for administration, as well as serving as a senior adviser to then-HHS Secretary Alex Azar.
Anderson, meanwhile, arrived at HHS with a deep background in Republican health policy circles. She previously worked as a health policy adviser to GOP senators and most recently led health care initiatives at the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-aligned conservative think tank.
Policy Stakes Remain High
The shakeup comes at a sensitive time for the Health and Human Services Department. Kennedy’s leadership has attracted growing attention over plans to revamp the nation’s vaccine regulations and to pursue broad changes in food policy and other health initiatives.
Moreover, HHS has been grappling with internal restructuring following recent Supreme Court decisions that have reshaped federal agency authority. Earlier this summer, the department carried out significant layoffs across multiple health agencies, adding further operational complexity to Kennedy’s tenure.
Observers say Kennedy will need to quickly rebuild his leadership team to maintain momentum on his policy goals and reassure stakeholders inside and outside the department.
“The department is at a critical juncture, and leadership stability is key,” said one health policy expert familiar with HHS operations. “It’s essential for Secretary Kennedy to bring in trusted, experienced figures to keep the agency on track.”
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