Recent internet chatter suggested that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has instigated a shake-up within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by dismissing two key officials.
Heather Flick Melanson, who held the position of Chief of Staff, and Hannah Anderson, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, are reportedly no longer at HHS.
As reported by ABC News, the reasons behind these rapid dismissals remain shrouded in mystery.
No explanations were provided for the personnel changes. A source familiar with the situation noted that Kennedy “has every right to make personnel decisions.”
“Secretary Kennedy has made a leadership change within the Immediate Office of the Secretary,” an HHS spokesperson told ABC News. “Effective immediately, Matt Buckham will assume the role of Acting Chief of Staff.”
“Mr. Buckham currently serves as Kennedy’s White House liaison at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, overseeing the recruitment and onboarding of political appointees across the agency. His background in personnel strategy and organizational management will be valuable in this new role,” the statement elaborated.
“Secretary Kennedy expresses his gratitude to the outgoing leadership for their contributions and looks forward to collaborating closely with Mr. Buckham as the Department pursues its mission to Make America Healthy Again,” the statement concluded.
Buckham will continue to serve as Kennedy’s White House liaison, as confirmed by an administration official.
This news surfaced shortly after the FDA, under the HHS umbrella, granted full approval for Moderna’s contentious mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, for children aged 6 months to 11 years who are identified as “at increased risk” for COVID-19—a decision that Kennedy reportedly neither authorized nor was briefed about.
However, claims regarding the dismissal are being contested.
Sources indicate that Heather Flick Melanson did not face termination but rather resigned. According to insiders, Melanson is a firm Trump supporter and decided to step down from her position last week.
Previously available to younger children under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), the FDA’s new full approval has provoked controversy, especially in light of growing evidence linking the vaccine to adverse side effects such as myocarditis, pericarditis, allergic reactions, and seizures in young recipients.
Dr. Robert Malone, who is now part of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), has stated that the FDA’s decision to fully authorize the Moderna vaccine took Kennedy by surprise during what was supposed to be a working vacation.
“I have received numerous requests to clarify the recent July 10, 2025 FDA general (non-EUA) marketing authorization of Moderna’s SpikeVax for children. Honestly, I am bewildered by the events that unfolded at the FDA leading to this outcome. Like many, I was deeply shocked and disappointed.
[…]
“The narrative circulating on MAHA Twitter following the FDA’s approval of the Moderna SPIKEVAX vaccine for high-risk children suggests that this was a betrayal by Secretary Kennedy. In reality, this is the exact opposite of what occurred. The Secretary was on vacation and had not even been briefed on the decision. Despite being on vacation, he managed to take numerous calls and briefings, continually handling strategic and tactical decisions during what should have been a well-deserved break. He and his wife have not had a vacation since launching his Presidential campaign.”
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