HHS secretary Kennedy fires two top aides
News | By Easton Martin | July 16, 2025
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. today dismissed two senior aides as part of a broader leadership reshuffle at HHS, a department spokesperson confirmed. Heather Flick Melanson, chief of staff, and Hannah Anderson, deputy chief of staff for policy, were both relieved of their duties effective immediately.
The firings, first reported by national media outlets, come just months after the appointments of both officials. No explicit reasons have been disclosed for their removal, and HHS has provided no further detail on the decision.
Matt Buckham, previously serving as HHS White House liaison overseeing political appointments, will step into the role of acting chief of staff. A department spokesperson described Buckham as bringing “valuable experience in personnel strategy and organizational management” to the top post.
This move is viewed within the context of Secretary Kennedy’s ongoing efforts to reorganize HHS. Earlier this month, a federal judge blocked his proposed restructuring plans, which included significant agency downsizing.
As of this afternoon, HHS has not announced permanent replacements for the vacated chief of staff positions. Observers are monitoring whether this change signals a shift in the department’s strategic direction.
