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Key HHS Officials Depart Amid Restructuring Before Midterm Elections

KVIA•Friday, February 13, 2026 at 5:05 PM•CNN Newsource

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Two senior advisors to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are set to leave the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a broader agency restructuring ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Jim O’Neill, the HHS Deputy Secretary and interim CDC director, has faced controversy for his promotion of anti-vaccine messages and his unstable communication style. The departures come as the Trump administration aims to refocus HHS's political priorities and improve public messaging on health issues, including drug pricing and healthy eating initiatives. The White House is expected to elevate key staff members to support these goals, with Chris Klomp taking on a significant role in the department's daily operations.

Key Details: • Jim O’Neill and Mike Stuart are leaving HHS as part of a restructuring. • The changes are aimed at enhancing HHS's focus on health policy ahead of the midterms. • Chris Klomp has been appointed as the new chief advisor to HHS, overseeing daily operations.

trump-administration cdc hhs midterm-elections health-policy

People & Organizations

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionRobert F. Kennedy Jr.Department of Health and Human ServicesJim O’NeillChris KlompMike Stuart

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