Trump Administration Scrambles to Fill 3 Top Health Posts as Midterm Fears Mount
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 15
Trump Administration Scrambles to Fill 3 Top Health Posts as Midterm Fears Mount
6 articles · Updated · CNN · May 15
Early June is the White House’s target to recommend a permanent FDA commissioner, part of a broader push to refill top jobs at HHS, the CDC and the surgeon general’s office.
The rush follows months of turmoil — including FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation this week and repeated failed nominations tied to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s MAHA movement — that damaged trust and alarmed GOP lawmakers before November.
Senior officials are planning a wider FDA shake-up, and more members of Makary’s leadership team are expected to leave by week’s end; spokesman Rich Danker resigned Wednesday during the review.
The reset mirrors an earlier CDC stabilization effort and favors more conventional, experienced nominees over MAHA-aligned outsiders, even as that shift risks angering Kennedy’s activist base.
Trump officials want HHS to pivot from vaccine fights toward drug pricing and insurance affordability, betting a calmer, more mainstream health agenda can limit midterm backlash.
With thousands of experts gone, how will the FDA and CDC rebuild expertise to respond to new health crises quickly and safely?
Will the Trump administration’s shift to health affordability issues restore public trust and agency effectiveness after months of upheaval?
"Crisis at HHS: 80% CDC Leadership Vacant, 15,000+ Staff Lost, and Political Upheaval Ahead of 2026 Midterms"
Overview
In early 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) underwent a major leadership shakeup, with key officials like Jim O'Neill and Mike Stuart departing and significant changes in operational focus. This paved the way for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to become Secretary of HHS and Chris Klomp to be named chief counselor. Kennedy’s controversial approach marked a sharp break from established scientific consensus, sparking internal dissent and public concern. These leadership changes, combined with widespread vacancies and shifting priorities, have created instability across federal health agencies and raised questions about the future direction of U.S. health policy.