President Trump on Thursday formally nominated Chris Klomp for deputy health secretary, a move that locks in the role he has been effectively performing since February as chief counselor at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Klomp's nomination reflects his growing stature within the administration's health apparatus. Trump praised him as "a Strong and Inspiring Leader and a Highly Successful Entrepreneur," crediting him with "doing a FANTASTIC job leading Medicare, and overseeing day-to-day operations." The president highlighted Klomp's business background as essential to executing "desperately needed major reforms," particularly on drug pricing.
The nomination arrives as HHS faces steep operational challenges. The agency has been understaffed following last year's DOGE cost-cutting measures and the upheaval from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s broad restructuring efforts. Klomp has been filling critical gaps, bringing in appointees to vacant positions across the department.
His fingerprints are already visible on policy. Klomp spearheaded administration negotiations with major pharmaceutical companies over "most favored nation" pricing deals, which would tie U.S. drug costs to the lower prices paid in other wealthy nations. The approach represents a centerpiece of Kennedy's agenda to reduce medication expenses.
Klomp's ascent from Medicare director to deputy secretary underscores the trust Trump has placed in him. Before entering government, he held senior positions at Bain & Company and its investment arm, Bain Capital. He also served as chief executive of Collective Medical, a health data company that sold in 2020.
His nomination adds to a crowded calendar of Trump health confirmations. The Senate still must act on Erica Schwartz for Centers for Disease Control director and Nicole Saphier for surgeon general, among other positions. The nomination backlog reflects the volume of personnel decisions the administration is pushing through.
Health industry leaders and stakeholders have voiced support for Klomp since his elevation to the top counselor post. His combination of corporate experience and government operations background has impressed figures across the health policy landscape, suggesting his confirmation could move relatively smoothly through the Senate review process.
Author James Rodriguez: "Klomp's rise signals Trump is keeping his most reliable operatives close on health policy, and his drug-pricing push could face less resistance than Kennedy's more polarizing initiatives."
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