The Trump administration is taking steps to rein in Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a move driven by growing concerns that his controversial stances on public health, particularly regarding vaccines, are becoming a significant political liability ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. While President Trump reportedly continues to support Kennedy, internal frustrations are mounting over what aides describe as disorganization and missteps within HHS, threatening the party’s chances in key races.
The shift comes as polling data increasingly demonstrates widespread disapproval of Kennedy’s performance as HHS Secretary. His policies and public statements have sparked backlash from medical professionals, public health advocates, and a large segment of the American public. The administration’s response isn’t rooted in a sudden concern for public health, but rather a pragmatic calculation to minimize damage in a crucial election year.
Kennedy’s tenure at HHS has been marked by a series of controversies. He has repeatedly questioned the safety and efficacy of vaccines, a position directly contradicting decades of scientific consensus. This has coincided with a concerning rise in measles cases across the country, including a recent outbreak in Texas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of March 15, 2026, there have been 125 confirmed measles cases reported in the U.S. This year, a significant increase compared to the 58 cases reported during the same period in 2025. CDC Measles Data
Beyond vaccines, Kennedy has also drawn criticism for other actions, and statements. He co-signed unsubstantiated claims made by former President Trump regarding Tylenol and autism, a claim widely debunked by the medical community. He has also faced scrutiny over alleged misrepresentations made to Congress regarding a trip to Samoa in 2019, and for rescinding grant funding from organizations that disagree with his views on public health. The Wall Street Journal reported on these internal concerns on March 13.
Internal Restructuring Aims to Curb Controversies
In an effort to regain control, the White House is implementing an internal restructuring at HHS. Chris Klomp has been elevated to serve as Kennedy’s deputy, effectively tasked with providing increased oversight. Meanwhile, Jim O’Neill, a former aide to Peter Thiel, is being moved from his position as Deputy Secretary of HHS to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the stated goal of “reducing internal friction.” This move is widely seen as an attempt to distance Kennedy from key decision-making processes and limit his ability to implement policies that could further alienate voters.
The FDA transition is particularly notable given ongoing tensions surrounding the agency’s approval of generic mifepristone, a medication used for abortion. Kennedy’s views on reproductive health are also considered outside the mainstream, and the administration likely hopes O’Neill’s presence at the FDA will help navigate these sensitive issues more effectively.
The Political Calculus Behind the Shift
The timing of these changes is no coincidence. With the 2026 midterm elections looming, the Trump administration is acutely aware of the potential for Kennedy’s actions to develop into a rallying point for opposition voters. The administration is facing a challenging political landscape, and every potential vulnerability is being scrutinized. A recent internal poll, obtained by Becker’s Hospital Review, showed that Kennedy’s approval rating among independent voters had plummeted in recent months, with a majority expressing concern over his handling of public health issues.
The administration’s strategy appears to be one of damage control. By limiting Kennedy’s public profile and tightening control over HHS, they hope to minimize further controversies and prevent the issue of public health from dominating the midterm narrative. However, simply containing Kennedy may not be enough. The damage to public trust in HHS may already be done, and the administration will need to actively work to rebuild confidence in its public health policies.
Past Controversies Continue to Haunt HHS
Kennedy’s past statements and actions continue to fuel criticism. Reports surfaced in 2025 detailing his interest in adolescent sperm counts and a widely publicized incident where he took his grandchildren swimming in a river known to be contaminated with human waste. Techdirt covered the river incident extensively. These incidents, while seemingly unrelated to policy, contribute to a broader perception of Kennedy as being out of touch with mainstream scientific understanding and public health concerns.
Kennedy’s decision to revoke grant funding from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has been widely condemned as politically motivated and detrimental to public health. The AAP had previously received millions in funding from HHS for programs aimed at promoting vaccination and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Techdirt reported on the grant funding cuts in December 2025.
What’s Next for HHS and the Midterms?
The immediate future of HHS remains uncertain. While Kennedy remains in his position, his influence is likely to be curtailed. The administration will be closely monitoring public reaction to the internal restructuring and will likely make further adjustments as needed. The next key date to watch is April 15, 2026, when HHS is scheduled to release its updated plan for addressing the ongoing measles outbreak. This plan will be a crucial test of the administration’s ability to regain control of the public health narrative.
The situation highlights the delicate balance the Trump administration faces: maintaining support from its base while appealing to a broader electorate. Whether these changes will be enough to mitigate the political damage remains to be seen. The 2026 midterm elections will undoubtedly serve as a referendum on the administration’s handling of public health and the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s tenure at HHS.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or political advice.
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