• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired two top aides at HHS, marking a change in leadership.
• The ousted aides are Heather Flick Melanson and Hannah Anderson.
• Matt Buckham has been appointed as Acting Chief of Staff.
• No specific reasons were provided for the dismissals.
• The leadership change comes amidst scrutiny over vaccine policies and health initiatives.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed two top aides at the Department of Health and Human Services, confirming a leadership shakeup just months into his tenure. The aides, Heather Flick Melanson and Hannah Anderson, were removed without any specific reasons given for the decisions, according to a department spokesperson and sources familiar with the matter. Kennedy is said to have lost confidence in the ousted staffers, according to The Hill.

The leadership overhaul includes the appointment of Matt Buckham, previously the department's White House liaison, as Acting Chief of Staff. Buckham will now oversee the recruitment and onboarding of political appointees within HHS. A spokesperson stated, "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," as reported by ABC News and India Times.

The ousted Melanson and Anderson brought considerable experience to their roles; Melanson served in senior positions during the Trump administration, while Anderson has a background as a health policy adviser. Their removals come as HHS faces increased scrutiny regarding vaccine policies and other health initiatives, with the reshuffle potentially indicating a shift in departmental strategy, according to ABC News, India Times, and The Hill.