According to a report cited by Raw Story and based on information from Politico, the White House quietly promoted Chris Klomp to serve as chief counselor at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in February 2026.

The move has drawn attention because some Democratic senators and former officials reportedly believe the promotion was intended to provide greater oversight of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr.amid concerns about his vaccine-related positions and other controversial views.

Sources quoted in the report suggested that the White House may not fully trust Kennedy to manage the department independently during a politically sensitive period leading up to the 2026 midterm elections.

Klomp is said to have gained substantial influence within HHS, including involvement in selecting a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director who supported vaccination policies and participating in negotiations related to prescription drug pricing.Some individuals described Kennedy as a largely symbolic leader while portraying Klomp as the department's operational decision-maker.

A former senior HHS official alleged that Klomp had become overly powerful and was attempting personnel changes without Kennedy's direct knowledge.

However, the Department of Health and Human Services rejected claims that Kennedy serves merely as a figurehead, stating that he remains actively engaged in major policy and management decisions.

The report also noted that President Donald Trump has publicly praised Klomp's performance and that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly holds him in high regard.The situation highlights ongoing questions about leadership dynamics and decision-making authority within HHS.