RFK Jr. Fires Top HHS Leadership in Major Department Shakeup

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed his chief of staff Heather Flick Melanson and deputy chief of staff for policy Hannah Anderson, confirming a significant reshuffle at the top of the department1245.

No specific reason was given for these ousters, but officials described the move as a routine leadership change; sources report Kennedy lost confidence in the two aides12.

Matt Buckham, previously HHS' White House Liaison overseeing recruitment and onboarding of political appointees, was named Acting Chief of Staff effective immediately124.

The shakeup comes amid ongoing tensions between Kennedy and the White House, as well as controversy over vaccine policy, handling of a measles outbreak, and recent layoffs and grant cuts within HHS1.

Heather Flick Melanson had also held top HHS positions during the Trump administration, including acting general counsel and senior adviser to Alex Azar4.

HHS thanked the outgoing leadership for their service and stated that the department would continue its mission to “Make America Healthy Again” under Buckham’s interim leadership124.

Sources:

1. https://www.axios.com/2025/07/16/kennedy-fires-senior-hhs-aides

2. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/robert-kennedy-jr-fires-top-deputies-department-health/story?id=123795370

4. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rfk-jr-fires-2-top-aides-hhs-staff-shakeup

5. https://www.statnews.com/2025/07/16/kennedy-fires-top-hhs-aides-in-abrupt-leadership-shakeup/