Overview
- The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump aides have assumed direct control of key HHS operations and installed new oversight to curb policy missteps.
- Kennedy's standing inside HHS has sunk to a new low after setbacks to his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, according to the report.
- President Trump continues to publicly praise Kennedy even as senior officials express alarm about the political fallout from his leadership.
- Controversies cited include a tepid initial response to a Texas measles outbreak, an unexpected FDA approval of a generic abortion pill, and January cuts to mental health and substance-abuse grants that were later reversed after Capitol Hill pushback.
- To restore order, the White House brought in Brad Smith to audit HHS and recommend structural changes intended to end internal infighting and stabilize the department.