“Mass Exodus” At HHS Expected Should Trump Lose

Politico reports:

At least 27 political appointees have exited the embattled Health and Human Services department since the start of the Covid-19 crisis in February, according to a POLITICO review, and senior leaders are bracing for dozens more officials to depart swiftly if President Donald Trump loses re-election.

Such a wave of departures would leave only a shell staff shepherding the department through a uniquely challenging winter of coronavirus outbreaks and drug and vaccine authorizations until Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, according to interviews with 17 current and former HHS officials, some of whom requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue.

“There will be a mass exodus should the election go the other way” against Trump, predicted a senior department official, warning that some of the 100-plus political appointees who remain at the health department are preparing to compete for a dwindling pool of jobs across Washington.

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