Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has fired two of the department’s top aides in a leadership shakeup, a spokesman confirmed on Wednesday.
Heather Flick Melanson, Kennedy’s chief of staff, and Hannah Anderson, deputy chief of staff of policy, have both been ousted. No reason was given for the change.
According to CNN, which first reported the move, the decision came after Kennedy lost confidence in them.
“Kennedy has made a leadership change within the Immediate Office of the Secretary. Effective immediately, Matt Buckham will serve as Acting Chief of Staff,” the spokesman said.
Buckham currently serves as the department’s White House liaison, where he oversees the recruitment and onboarding of political appointees across the agency.
“Secretary Kennedy thanks the outgoing leadership for their service and looks forward to working closely with Mr. Buckham as the Department continues advancing its mission to Make America Healthy Again,” the spokesman said.