Trump Selects Chris Klomp for HHS Deputy Secretary Role

WHO:

Fox News - President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Chris Klomp for deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

CNN - Chris Klomp is the Medicare director and a former health care executive.

Fox News - HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz were involved in the decision to nominate Klomp.

WHAT:

Fox News - Trump stated that Klomp is a "potential STAR" and a "Strong and Inspiring Leader."

CNN - Klomp will oversee operations and regulatory policy as deputy secretary, making him second in command behind HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

CNN - Klomp needs to be confirmed by the Senate as deputy secretary.

CNN - HHS has been without a deputy secretary since Jim O’Neill left in February.

Fox News - Trump described Klomp's experience in building a business as giving him the "TOUGHNESS" to drive major reforms, including the "Historic MOST FAVORED NATION Drug Pricing Policy."

WHERE:

Fox News - The announcement was made via a post on Truth Social.

CNN - Klomp has been serving as Medicare director since April 2025 and has been involved in HHS operations in Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

CNN - Klomp was chosen to oversee HHS operations in February.

CNN - Klomp has been serving as Medicare director since April 2025.

CNN - Trump nominated public health veteran Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director and Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general in April, both awaiting Senate confirmation hearings.

WHY:

Fox News - Trump emphasized the need for reforms in the healthcare system and the importance of Klomp's leadership in achieving these goals.

HOW:

Fox News - Trump, Kennedy, and Dr. Oz made the decision to nominate Klomp together.

(UPDATED June 26, 2026 11:55 UTC)

President Trump has announced the nomination of Chris Klomp for deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting Klomp's potential as a "STAR" and a "Strong and Inspiring Leader." Klomp, who has been serving as Medicare director since April 2025, will oversee operations and regulatory policy, stepping into a role that has been vacant since February. His nomination, which was made via a post on Truth Social, now awaits Senate confirmation, as Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasize the need for significant reforms in the healthcare system.