Two top aides to HHS set to depart amid restructuring
Two senior officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are expected to leave their positions as part of a significant restructuring following the midterm elections, according to sources familiar with the matter, reports BritPanorama.
HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill and General Counsel Mike Stuart are on track to exit the agency. Their departures come as Trump administration officials are reportedly considering alternative roles for them within the government. This shake-up is intended to realign the department’s focus ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.
O’Neill, who served as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and was a controversial figure known for promoting anti-vaccine messaging and public skepticism around Medicaid fraud, had been widely scrutinised during his tenure. Those within the administration noted his difficulties in public communication, with one person indicating that he struggled to establish his role at the department.
Although O’Neill lacks formal qualifications in medical or public health fields, he was appointed to lead the CDC following the dismissal of Dr. Susan Monarez last August. Prior to his role at HHS, O’Neill managed the Thiel Foundation and worked for Clarium Capital, alongside previous service in HHS under President George W. Bush.
Reports indicate that O’Neill rarely visited the CDC, according to former leaders of the agency, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The revitalisation of HHS comes amid a broader shift aimed at refining the department’s policy agenda and enhancing its public messaging, a priority among Trump officials.
The White House aims to integrate health care as a pivotal aspect of its midterm strategy, highlighting initiatives to reduce drug prices and promote healthier lifestyles. In this context, recent weeks have seen the elevation of several staff members, including Medicare head Chris Klomp, who has been appointed as the new chief counselor at HHS and is expected to drive daily operations within the department.
Overall, the ongoing changes signal the administration’s intent to establish more cohesive and focused leadership at HHS as it prepares for crucial political battles ahead.
