White House Reshuffles HHS Leadership to Manage Controversial Kennedy

Moves aim to keep closer tabs on Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his policy agenda ahead of midterm elections.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The White House is preparing to reshuffle the leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in an effort to manage the controversial actions and statements of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The moves will elevate several senior officials, including Chris Klomp as Kennedy's chief of staff, to provide more oversight and coordination with the White House on key health policy initiatives ahead of the midterm elections.

Why it matters

Kennedy's unorthodox leadership and penchant for controversial remarks have raised concerns among Republicans that his policy agenda, including a major overhaul of the nation's vaccine system, could damage the party's chances in the upcoming midterm elections. The White House is seeking to rein in Kennedy and present a more coordinated health policy message to voters.

The details

The White House plans to promote Chris Klomp, the current Medicare chief, to the role of chief counselor and Kennedy's chief of staff. Klomp has played a central role in negotiating and promoting the drug price deals that President Trump has touted as a top accomplishment. Additionally, John Brooks, the current deputy administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will take on a senior counselor role in charge of CMS-related issues. Two senior Food and Drug Administration officials, Grace Graham and Kyle Diamantas, will also take on senior counselor roles managing FDA-related issues for HHS.

  • The White House is preparing these leadership changes ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services, known for his controversial statements and policy agenda, including a major overhaul of the nation's vaccine system.

Chris Klomp

The current Medicare chief, who will be promoted to the role of chief counselor and Kennedy's chief of staff. Klomp has played a central role in negotiating and promoting the drug price deals that President Trump has touted as a top accomplishment.

John Brooks

The current deputy administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, who will take on a senior counselor role in charge of CMS-related issues.

Grace Graham

A senior Food and Drug Administration official who will take on a senior counselor role managing FDA-related issues for HHS.

Kyle Diamantas

A senior Food and Drug Administration official who will take on a senior counselor role managing FDA-related issues for HHS.

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What they’re saying

“I am proud to elevate battle-tested, principled leaders onto my immediate team — individuals with the courage and experience to help us move faster and further as we work to Make America Health Again.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services (CNN)

What’s next

The leadership changes at HHS are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The takeaway

The White House is taking steps to rein in the controversial actions and statements of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in an effort to manage the potential political fallout for the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections. The reshuffling of HHS leadership aims to provide more oversight and coordination with the White House on key health policy initiatives.