Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, has initiated a significant leadership shakeup within his department by removing two of his highest-ranking aides. Heather Flick Melanson, previously chief of staff, and Hannah Anderson, deputy chief of staff of policy, are no longer listed on the HHS leadership page.
In response to the changes, an HHS spokesperson stated that Matt Buckham, Kennedy’s White House liaison, is now serving as the acting chief of staff. Buckham, who oversees the recruitment and onboarding of political appointees at HHS, is expected to bring valuable experience in personnel strategy and organizational management to the role.
Kennedy expressed gratitude for the outgoing leadership’s service and emphasized the continued focus on advancing the mission of the department to ‘Make America Healthy Again.’ Meanwhile, Melanson, a lawyer who previously held senior roles at HHS during the first Trump administration, is now reportedly moving into a senior advisory role for Kennedy.
Additional context is provided by the recent legal developments involving the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul HHS. A Biden-appointed judge has halted the Trump-led HHS overhaul due to a Democrat-led lawsuit, indicating the ongoing legal and political challenges surrounding health policy reforms.
The article also references the previous work of Melanson, highlighting her extensive experience in health policy and her role in supporting then-HHS Secretary Alex Azar and the Trump administration. Her transition back into a leadership role for Kennedy underscores the continuity of certain policy priorities.
Michael Flynn, the former Trump National Security Adviser, praised Melanson’s qualifications and expressed confidence in her ability to contribute to Kennedy’s future role as HHS Secretary. This endorsement further illustrates the political and professional connections within the health policy arena.