RFK Jr. Shakes Up HHS with Firing of Top Aides, Appoints Matt Buckham

In a surprising move at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has let go of two key aides, signaling a significant staff shakeup. Heather Flick Melanson, his chief of staff, and Hannah Anderson, deputy chief of staff for policy, have been removed from their positions, and their profiles are no longer featured on the department’s leadership page.

An HHS spokesperson confirmed the change, stating that Matt Buckham, currently Kennedy’s White House liaison at HHS, will step in as Acting Chief of Staff. Buckham, who has been overseeing the recruitment of political appointees, is expected to bring a fresh perspective with his expertise in personnel strategy and organizational management.

The spokesperson expressed gratitude to the outgoing staff for their service, emphasizing Kennedy’s commitment to the mission of making America healthier as he collaborates with Buckham moving forward. While details on the reasons behind the firings remain scarce, this shakeup raises questions about the direction Kennedy intends to take at HHS.

Heather Flick Melanson, a seasoned lawyer with prior high-ranking roles at HHS during the first Trump administration, was seen as a strong asset. Her departure, alongside Anderson’s, marks a notable shift in Kennedy’s inner circle. As this administration continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how these changes impact the department’s policies and priorities.