HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is planning to appoint Rich Danker as the department’s new top spokesman, according to sources.
The decision to select Danker follows the abrupt departure of Tom Corry, Kennedy’s first assistant secretary for public affairs, amid disagreements with Kennedy’s team and handling of the measles outbreak.
Rich Danker: A Profile
Danker, a former first-term Trump official, has held senior adviser roles at the Treasury Department and Commodity Futures Trading Commission. His most recent position was as a senior vice president at Chain Bridge Bank in Virginia.
While the appointment is not yet final, insiders reveal that Kennedy is considering Danker for his strategic communication skills and experience in public service.
Kennedy’s decision to revamp the department’s communication team comes at a critical juncture, marked by public scrutiny over his handling of the measles outbreak and workforce restructuring within HHS.
Challenges Ahead for Kennedy
As Kennedy prepares to testify before the Senate HELP Committee, concerns loom over his proposed budget cuts and plans to restructure various health offices under HHS.
Senators from both parties, such as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, have raised alarms about the potential impact of these cuts on essential services.
The upcoming testimony is expected to shed light on Kennedy’s vision for the department and address the criticisms surrounding his recent decisions.
In conclusion, Kennedy’s appointment of Rich Danker signals a shift in HHS’s communication strategy and sets the stage for potential reforms in the department’s public affairs approach.
