RFK Jr. Fires Two Top Aides in Health and Human Services Shakeup

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has abruptly dismissed two of his top aides in a leadership shakeup that caught even the White House off guard, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Chief of Staff Heather Flick and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Hannah Anderson were both removed from their positions this week, just a few months into Kennedy’s tenure. An HHS spokesperson confirmed the departures and said Matt Buckham, the department’s White House liaison, will step in as acting chief of staff.

“He brings valuable experience in personnel strategy and organizational management to this new role,” the spokesperson said. “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.”

Sources tell CNN that Flick had initially pushed for Anderson’s dismissal, citing dissatisfaction with her performance. However, the firing reportedly bypassed formal channels and surprised both the White House and Kennedy himself. That ultimately led Kennedy to remove Flick as well, citing a loss of confidence.

Neither Flick nor Anderson has publicly commented.

The shakeup leaves RFK Jr. looking for permanent replacements as HHS faces heightened scrutiny over vaccine policy shifts and major health and food priorities.

Flick had prior experience at HHS during former President Donald Trump’s first term, including serving as acting general counsel and senior adviser to then-HHS Secretary Alex Azar.

Anderson joined HHS after working as a Republican health policy adviser on Capitol Hill and as part of the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute.

While Kennedy has yet to name long-term replacements, the department continues operating under Buckham’s interim leadership.

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