Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently replaced his chief of staff Heather Flick Melanson and deputy chief of staff for policy Hannah Anderson, both of whom served only a few months246810.
Both Melanson and Anderson were viewed as experienced government professionals; Anderson did not provide public comment, while Melanson stated she resigned, though multiple outlets characterized their departures as firings246.
Matt Buckham, previously the secretary's White House liaison overseeing the recruitment and onboarding of political appointees, was named acting chief of staff effective immediately246.
The leadership changes are part of broader restructuring efforts Kennedy claims are intended to 'Make America Healthy Again' by reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency at HHS2457.
Kennedy has faced mounting criticism from over 1,000 current and former HHS employees, professional organizations, and former CDC directors, who call his policies destabilizing and demand his resignation13.
Sources:
1. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/hhs-staff-letter-rfk-jr-kennedy-resign-cdc-monarez/759133/
2. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/rfk-jr-shakes-top-leadership-hhs-latest-personnel-moves
3. https://doctorsforamerica.org/statement-release-rfk-resignation/
4. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rfk-jr-fires-2-top-aides-hhs-staff-shakeup
5. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-restructuring-doge.html
6. https://www.statnews.com/2025/07/16/kennedy-fires-top-hhs-aides-in-abrupt-leadership-shakeup/
7. https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html
8. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/robert-kennedy-jr-fires-top-deputies-department-health/story?id=123795370
10. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rfk-jr-ousts-two-trump-loyalists-hhs/