Trump nominates Chris Klomp as HHS second-in-command

Trump Nominates Chris Klomp as HHS Second-in-Command

Trump nominates Chris Klomp as HHS second – On June 25, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Chris Klomp as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Klomp, currently serving as the head of Medicare, is a seasoned health care executive with a proven track record in managing large-scale healthcare initiatives. The new role will place him in charge of overseeing the department’s daily operations and shaping its regulatory policies. This marks a significant shift in the administration’s leadership structure, as Klomp will now hold the position of second-in-command under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he has been actively supporting for several months. Trump emphasized the strategic importance of the appointment, stating that Klomp’s expertise would be vital in steering the agency toward its goals.

The Deputy Secretary’s Role in HHS

The deputy secretary of HHS plays a critical role in the execution of the department’s policies, acting as a key advisor to the secretary and managing various internal functions. This position is often pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of the agency, particularly during periods of transition or major policy changes. Klomp’s selection signals a continued focus on streamlining healthcare administration and advancing initiatives tied to cost reduction, such as the TrumpRx program. His responsibilities will include coordinating with other federal agencies, implementing regulatory frameworks, and supporting the Secretary in high-level decision-making. The move also aims to consolidate leadership within the HHS, reinforcing a unified approach to healthcare reform under Trump’s administration.

Klomp’s Background and Expertise

Chris Klomp’s career in healthcare has spanned over a decade, with notable stints in both public and private sectors. Prior to his current role as Medicare director, he worked as a senior executive in the health insurance industry, where he gained valuable insights into the operational challenges of large healthcare organizations. His leadership at Medicare, which began in April 2025, has been central to the administration’s efforts to negotiate lower drug prices and enhance patient access to affordable care. During his tenure, Klomp spearheaded the development of the TrumpRx program, a key initiative designed to leverage market forces and reduce prescription costs for Americans. His collaboration with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz has been instrumental in shaping these policies, according to sources familiar with the process.

“HHS is a massive and complex organization, but Chris knows exactly how to run it,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. The President highlighted Klomp’s ability to manage intricate systems, praising his leadership during a recent White House event. “You don’t know his name as much as some of the others, but he’s a real star of the group,” Trump added, underscoring Klomp’s behind-the-scenes contributions to the administration’s healthcare agenda. These remarks reflect the growing recognition of Klomp’s role in shaping the department’s strategic direction, particularly as the Trump administration seeks to redefine healthcare priorities.

Senate Confirmation and Leadership Transition

Klomp’s appointment as deputy secretary requires approval from the U.S. Senate, adding him to the list of federal health nominees awaiting hearings before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The confirmation process will involve scrutiny of his qualifications, policy stance, and alignment with the Trump administration’s goals. His selection comes at a time when HHS has been without a deputy secretary since Jim O’Neill resigned in February 2026, part of a broader leadership overhaul. This restructuring was intended to refocus the agency’s messaging on affordability and efficiency, with O’Neill’s departure marking the end of a period of transition. Klomp, who has been managing Medicare since April 2025, was already serving in an advisory capacity to Kennedy, suggesting that his integration into the senior leadership team was a natural progression.

During his time at Medicare, Klomp has been deeply involved in negotiating deals with pharmaceutical companies to lower drug costs. This effort is part of the administration’s broader strategy to implement the most-favored nations plan, which seeks to reduce prescription prices by comparing them to those in other countries. His work has positioned him as a central figure in the push for healthcare affordability, earning him praise from the President during a public event in April. “Chris Klomp has been unbelievable, a real star,” Trump said, highlighting his effectiveness in brokering agreements with Regeneron, a major drug manufacturer, to secure favorable pricing terms.

Key Appointments and Policy Direction

As deputy secretary, Klomp will also play a role in the internal appointments within HHS, including the search for new leadership in critical agencies. In April 2026, he led the selection process for candidates to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the surgeon general’s office. The administration’s choice of Dr. Erica Schwartz, a veteran public health official, for the CDC director position and Dr. Nicole Saphier, a Fox News contributor, for the surgeon general’s role demonstrated the President’s preference for a mix of policy expertise and media engagement. Klomp’s involvement in these searches underscores his strategic influence within the department, ensuring that key positions align with the administration’s vision.

“We made this decision together!” Trump declared, emphasizing a collaborative approach to leadership. The statement reflects the President’s strategy of involving trusted advisors in shaping the healthcare landscape. Klomp’s prior work with the TrumpRx program and his advisory role to Kennedy have established him as a reliable figure in navigating the complexities of the HHS. His confirmation will not only fill a critical leadership gap but also signal a shift in the department’s focus toward cost-effective solutions and market-driven reforms.

Context of HHS Leadership Changes

The recent leadership changes at HHS highlight the administration’s commitment to aligning the department with its core objectives. Following O’Neill’s departure, the agency sought to reorient its efforts around reducing healthcare costs, with Klomp’s appointment serving as a strategic move to achieve this. His experience in Medicare management and his ability to engage with both policymakers and industry leaders make him a strong candidate for the deputy secretary role. The transition also includes the search for a new commissioner at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with Klomp playing a central role in identifying a successor to Dr. Marty Makary, who stepped down in May. This continuity in leadership is essential for maintaining the administration’s focus on regulatory efficiency and healthcare affordability.

As the HHS prepares for Klomp’s confirmation, the department’s operations will be closely watched for signs of progress on the Trump administration’s healthcare agenda. The deputy secretary’s responsibilities will extend to managing interagency cooperation, coordinating with Congress, and implementing policies that reflect the administration’s priorities. Klomp’s tenure is expected to bridge the gap between the department’s regulatory functions and its mission to lower costs for American families. The Senate’s confirmation process will be a crucial step in solidifying this leadership change, setting the stage for a new era in HHS under the Trump administration.