Two Top Aides to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Depart

Restructuring at the agency leads to exits of General Counsel Mike Stuart and Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Two of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s top aides, General Counsel Mike Stuart and Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill, will be leaving the agency due to restructuring, according to sources. While they may end up in other government roles, their departures come as the Trump administration has made changes to the CDC's vaccine recommendations and Kennedy has promoted a new food pyramid that prioritizes vegetables, meat, and whole grains over processed foods.

Why it matters

The shakeup at HHS under Kennedy's leadership reflects the administration's continued focus on healthcare and nutrition policy, which are expected to be major issues in the upcoming midterm elections. Kennedy's views on vaccines and his promotion of a revised food pyramid align with the administration's broader agenda, making the exits of his top deputies noteworthy.

The details

According to CNN, Stuart and O'Neill will be leaving their roles at HHS due to a restructuring within the agency. O'Neill, who is Kennedy's second-in-command, shares the secretary's skepticism of routine childhood vaccinations. The CDC has recently reduced its recommended vaccine schedule from 17 diseases to 11, a change the administration has touted. Meanwhile, Kennedy unveiled a new food pyramid that places vegetables and meat at the top, with whole grains at the bottom, in contrast to the traditional model.

  • The departures of Stuart and O'Neill from HHS are expected in the coming weeks.
  • Last month, the Trump administration announced changes to the CDC's vaccine recommendations, reducing the number of routine childhood vaccinations from 17 to 11 diseases.
  • Also last month, HHS Secretary Kennedy presented a new food pyramid that prioritizes vegetables, meat, and whole grains over processed foods.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services, known for his skepticism of routine childhood vaccinations.

Mike Stuart

The General Counsel at the Department of Health and Human Services, who is departing the agency due to restructuring.

Jim O'Neill

The Deputy Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, who is also departing the agency due to restructuring and shares Kennedy's views on vaccines.

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What they’re saying

“We are moving to a far more reasonable Schedule, where all children will only be recommended to receive Vaccinations for 11 of the most serious and dangerous diseases.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (Social media post)

“The dietary guidelines directly address ultra-processed foods and set firm sugar limits in the federal procurement, driving a significant reduction in added sugar in school meals.”

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

What’s next

The White House has not yet commented on the reported departures of Stuart and O'Neill from HHS. Their exits could signal further restructuring and policy changes within the agency under Kennedy's leadership.

The takeaway

The shakeup at HHS reflects the Trump administration's continued focus on healthcare and nutrition policy, which are expected to be major issues in the upcoming midterm elections. Kennedy's skepticism of routine childhood vaccinations and promotion of a revised food pyramid align with the administration's broader agenda, making the exits of his top deputies noteworthy.