President Donald Trump denied on Sunday that he may fire Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar in response to reports that such a move was being considered.
"More Reports that H.H.S. Secretary @Alex Azar is going to be 'fired' by me are Fake News, Trump wrote on Twitter. "The Lamestream Media knows this, but they are desperate to create the perception of chaos & havoc in the minds of the public. They never even called to ask. Alex is doing an excellent job!"
Trump's statement followed a similar denial from White House spokesman Judd Deere, who said, "The Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Secretary Azar, continues to lead on a number of the President's priorities. Any speculation about personnel is irresponsible and a distraction from our whole-of-government response to COVID-19."
Politico had reported that four people confirmed continuing discussions about plans to oust Azar.
Among the reported reasons for the White House's displeasure with the HHS secretary is his handling of the ouster of vaccine expert Rick Bright, as well as turmoil at the agency. Officials are also upset at media reports that said Azar urged Trump to act on the coronavirus outbreak in January, but that the president disregarded his warnings.
Brian Freeman ✉
Brian Freeman, a Newsmax writer based in Israel, has more than three decades writing and editing about culture and politics for newspapers, online and television.
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