Kennedy was sworn in as the nation’s top health official one year ago, following contentious confirmation hearings in the Senate. Brad Smith, who served as a top health official in the first Trump administration, had privately assessed HHS’s operations in recent weeks and recommended staffing changes, according to two people. That work helped boost their standing at the White House, according to three of the people. “They’ve had plenty of victories,” said a White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel changes. They accused Kennedy of “weaponizing public health for political gain” and “putting millions of American lives at risk” by purging health officials from government.

Source: Washington Post February 13, 2026 22:35 UTC