RFK Jr. Reshuffles Top HHS Leadership, Names New Acting Chief of Staff

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed his chief of staff, Heather Flick Melanson, and deputy chief of staff for policy, Hannah Anderson, after just a few months in their roles124.

No official reason was given by HHS for these dismissals; media reports suggest internal clashes contributed to the departures14.

Matt Buckham, previously serving as RFK Jr.'s White House liaison at HHS and overseeing political appointee recruitment, has been designated acting chief of staff124.

RFK Jr. has been making broad changes at HHS, including staff reductions, consolidating agency divisions, and altering U.S. vaccine policy—such as halting COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant people1.

His tenure has sparked significant controversy, with questions about political interference in public health decisions, staff resignations, and public criticism from large groups of HHS employees and medical associations35.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/rfk-jr-shakes-top-leadership-hhs-latest-personnel-moves

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

3. https://doctorsforamerica.org/statement-release-rfk-resignation/

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

5. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/hhs-staff-letter-rfk-jr-kennedy-resign-cdc-monarez/759133/