HHS shaking up top personnel to push Trump, MAHA priorities ahead of midterms
The Hill
by Joseph ChoiFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Department has undergone a significant restructuring under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as part of efforts to bolster health policy achievements that could benefit Republican candidates in the 2024 midterm elections. The shake-up includes the appointment of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Deputy Administrator Chris Klomp as chief counselor, reflecting a strategic shift in priorities aimed at showcasing successes in healthcare under the Trump administration.
This reshuffling underscores the Trump administration's focus on aligning health policy initiatives with political objectives ahead of the midterms. By repositioning key personnel, HHS aims to amplify its messaging around healthcare achievements, potentially influencing voter perceptions. The move also highlights the administration's emphasis on positioning health policy as a cornerstone issue in the election campaign.
The decision to elevate Klomp, who previously served at CMS, signals a strategic pivot toward internal coordination and communication of health policies. This shift is expected to strengthen HHS's ability to articulate its accomplishments and counter opposition narratives. As the midterms approach, such moves are likely intended to solidify Republican gains by emphasizing their track record on healthcare.
For readers following politics, this reshuffling highlights the intersection of policy and politics in a high-stakes election cycle. By reorganizing its leadership, HHS aims to ensure that health policy
Verticals
politicsnews
Originally published on The Hill on 2/13/2026