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# Dr. Oz Emerges as Potential Successor to RFK Jr. at HHS, Report Says
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/dr-oz-emerges-as-potential-successor-to-rfk-jr-at-hhs-report-says/
- Published: 2026-07-29T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T13:44:00.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5161542

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services head **Mehmet Oz** is increasingly viewed inside the Trump administration as the leading candidate to eventually succeed **Robert F. Kennedy Jr.** as HHS secretary, according to a [Bloomberg report](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-07-26/at-trump-s-hhs-mehmet-oz-seen-as-heir-apparent-to-rfk-jr-as-health-secretary?ref=fdaweb.com) that cites administration officials, lobbyists and people familiar with internal deliberations.

The report portrays Oz as one of President **Donald Trump**'s most trusted advisers on health policy. According to Bloomberg, Trump frequently consults Oz on issues extending well beyond CMS, while the former heart surgeon has developed a reputation within the administration for translating the president's priorities into action.

Bloomberg says speculation about Kennedy's future has intensified amid management changes at HHS. The report notes that White House officials conducted a broad review of the department after concerns about Kennedy's management and internal disputes, particularly involving FDA. As part of those changes, CMS official **Chris Klomp** reportedly assumed greater responsibility for day-to-day operations across HHS, while Kennedy has focused more heavily on policy initiatives.

Neither the White House nor HHS has announced any plans for a leadership change, and Bloomberg contends that discussions about a potential succession remain speculative. The report says some administration officials believe any Cabinet reshuffling, if it occurs, would most likely take place after the 2026 midterm elections.