Two top RFK Jr aides leaving HHS amid department restructuring: reports

HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill and General Counsel Mike Stuart are expected to leave the department soon

Published: February 13, 2026 1:29pm

Two top aides to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., are leaving the department amid restructuring, according to reports.

HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill and General Counsel Mike Stuart are expected to leave the department soon as part of a broader restructuring at the agency before the midterm elections, CNN reported Friday. Two unnamed sources told the media outlet that Trump administration officials have discussed offering them other positions in the government.

O'Neill helped amplify anti-vaccine messaging and Medicaid fraud concerns, and praised the U.S.’s departure from the World Health Organization.

The restructuring is part of Trump officials’ desire to better focus HHS's policy priorities and improve its public messaging.

The White House is planning to make healthcare a key part of its midterm election strategy by touting its efforts to cut drug prices and encourage healthier eating.

HHS and the White House did not immediately respond to CNN's requests for comment.

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