Chris Klomp

Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urged pharmaceutical leaders in a private meeting to bring production of essential medications back to the U.S. The discussion focused on strengthening U.S. control over supply chains for 86 medicines deemed essential by the health department’s Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.

President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Chris Klomp to serve as deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Trump cited Klomp's leadership in Medicare operations and his commitment to healthcare reforms, including the Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing Policy. The decision was made in collaboration with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.

President Trump nominated Chris Klomp for deputy health secretary, elevating him from Medicare director to chief counselor of the Department of Health and Human Services. Trump praised Klomp's leadership and business experience, highlighting his role in negotiating drug pricing deals and reforms. The nomination adds to pending health appointments awaiting Senate action.

The US is pressuring Germany to pay more for pharmaceuticals, while some US biotech companies consider moving trials outside the country due to FDA upheaval. The Trump administration is pushing for other countries to pay more for medications as the US pays less. This move may lead to delays in regulatory reviews and changes in traditional pathways for bringing new medicines to market.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces Congress for the first time in six months amid diminished influence, with hearings focusing on controversial vaccine policies and setbacks like a federal judge blocking changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. The Trump administration has reined in his agenda, elevating Chris Klomp as his de facto chief of staff and shifting focus to drug pricing.