Leadership Changes at HHS

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Director of Health and Human Services, has terminated the employment of two of his senior aides. This includes Chief of Staff Heather Frick Melanson and Deputy Chief of Staff Hannah Anderson, who are no longer listed on the Department’s leadership webpage.

A spokesperson for HHS confirmed to Fox News Digital that there have been shifts in leadership within the direct office of the Secretary. They also announced that Matt Buckham will assume a prominent role. Currently, Buckham serves as Kennedy’s White House Liaison, where he manages the recruitment and onboarding of political appointees within the agency. He’s said to bring considerable expertise in human resources and management to his upcoming position.

The spokesperson mentioned, “Secretary Kennedy appreciates the contributions of those who have served and is eager to collaborate closely with Buckham. The department is focused on continuing its mission to improve the health of America.”

Melanson, a lawyer by trade, has held various high-ranking positions at HHS, particularly during the initial Trump administration period.

Before her tenure at HHS, Melanson was a legal advisor and worked as a supervisory secretary for administration. She previously served as a senior advisor to then-HHS Secretary Alex Hazard. Notably, she worked at the Dhillon Law Group, a firm founded by Harmeet Dhillon, who is now Trump’s nominee for attorney general this time around.

Following news of these changes, former Trump national security adviser expressed support for Melanson’s potential contributions in her new role, stating she is “outstanding” and will be beneficial to Kennedy’s leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services.