President-elect Donald Trump has appointed John Brooks, a former Medicare official, to lead the HHS landing team. This strategic move aims to bolster the health team’s expertise as it prepares for the upcoming administration.
Trump Selects John Brooks to Lead HHS Landing Team
President-elect Donald Trump has named John Brooks as the head of his Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) landing team, according to sources familiar with the transition. Brooks, a former senior Medicare official and health policy advisor, brings significant experience to the team.
Policy Expertise to Address Scrutiny
Brooks’ selection comes amid concerns regarding the lack of government experience among some of Trump’s health policy nominees. His background, which includes advising former HHS Secretary Alex Azar on drug pricing policies, is expected to provide the expertise necessary to ensure a smooth transition.
Role and Responsibilities of the Landing Team
The HHS landing team is responsible for preparing the incoming administration to take charge of the agency’s operations. The team’s specific members remain undisclosed, though it reportedly includes Trump allies working closely with their counterparts in the Biden administration as part of the formal transition process.
Brooks’ Background and Contributions
During Trump’s first term, Brooks held roles at the White House Domestic Policy Council and served as a senior aide to then-Medicare and Medicaid Director Seema Verma. He later became a trusted advisor to Azar before founding a health policy consulting firm. His past experience is expected to strengthen the health team’s policy foundation.
HHS Secretary Pick Engages with Senate Republicans
Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for HHS Secretary, is meeting with Republican senators on Capitol Hill to secure support for his confirmation. This effort underscores the importance of building strong relationships within Congress to advance Trump’s health agenda.
Strategic Planning for the Incoming Administration
Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition, confirmed that landing team members are actively coordinating with current agency staff to ensure continuity of operations. This aligns with the Transition Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established between the outgoing and incoming administrations.
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