The White House quietly elevated Chris Klomp to chief of the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, counselor in February, effectively installing him as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s handler to prevent the vaccine-skeptic from derailing GOP midterm prospects.
Democratic senators suspect Klomp was promoted to babysit RFK because the White House doesn't trust him, sources told Politico, given Kennedy's unpopular vaccine policies and unorthodox beliefs.
Klomp has wielded significant power, including selecting a pro-vaccination Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director over Kennedy's anti-vaccine preference and negotiating 17 drug-pricing deals.
Kennedy allies characterize the HHS secretary as more of a figurehead, while Klomp functions as the real chief operating officer.
A former senior HHS official alleged Klomp is out of control, trying to fire people without Kennedy's knowledge.
Trump praised Klomp, describing him as a real star, while Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is reportedly mesmerized by him.
HHS disputed the figurehead characterization, insisting Kennedy is actively engaged in departmental decisions.
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