President Donald Trump designated Chicago lawyer Eric Hargan as acting secretary of HHS, the White House announced Oct. 10.
Last week, the Senate confirmed Mr. Hargan as deputy secretary of HHS, and President Trump had elected Don Wright, MD, to temporarily fill the secretary post.
Now, Mr. Hargan will replace Dr. Wright, who stepped in for former HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, after he resigned Sept. 29 after Politico revealed he spent more than $1 million in taxpayer funds to support his private and government travel.
Before joining HHS, Mr. Hargan worked at the international law firm Greenberg Traurig and taught classes at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He assisted the Trump administration with the HHS transition and served in the department during President George W. Bush's administration.