Washington, D.C. (Reuters) – In an unexpected move, President Donald Trump has appointed Dr. Steve Brule as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), replacing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose nomination was widely contested. Brule, a former television personality best known for hosting Check It Out!, a public-access health program, was sworn in earlier this week following a swift confirmation process.
The decision, according to administration insiders, was influenced by Mobin Jr., whose unusual dual role as Brule’s mother Dorris’ adopted son and romantic partner has sparked both curiosity and speculation. His influence over the President remains largely unexplained. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “unprecedented but not uncharacteristic” of the administration’s decision-making process. “Mobin has a unique presence in Washington, and his advocacy for Brule was persuasive,” the official added without elaboration.
Brule’s confirmation has raised questions about his qualifications and the administration’s broader health policy. Having no known medical credentials beyond his self-described expertise, Brule has frequently espoused unconventional and often erroneous medical advice, including claims that eating a high concentration of raw eggs improves night vision and that “sweat is just your body’s way of crying.”
With unanimous Republican support and unexpected backing from several Democrats, including Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Brule’s confirmation sailed through the Senate without resistance. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) praised Brule’s “unconventional genius,” highlighting his “relatable approach to personal wellness,” citing Brule’s past advice on the health benefits of consuming expired food to “build gut toughness” and his insistence that elevators are “bad for your legs.” Slotkin, when questioned on her vote, stated, “We need to broaden our appeal beyond our usual supporters.”
Brule has taken immediate steps to leverage his new authority, prioritizing access to experimental medical treatments. One of his first initiatives involved the rapid approval of a classified research program aimed at advancing fertility treatments. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the project was undertaken at the behest of Brule’s mother, Dorris Pringle-Brule-Salahari, who has reportedly expressed interest in expanding her family. “Secretary Brule is committed to pushing the boundaries of medical science for all Americans,” an HHS spokesperson stated.
The appointment has drawn criticism from medical professionals, with the American Medical Association issuing a statement emphasizing the importance of “scientific rigor and evidence-based policymaking in public health leadership.” Dr. Gerald Wexler, a bioethicist at Johns Hopkins University, called the situation “concerning at best, disastrous at worst.”
However, Brule remains optimistic about his tenure. “I’m real good at healths, and now I got the biggest job in the whole health place,” he said at a press conference, adding that he plans to “unlock the government medicine cupboard for the people.” His remarks, delivered with characteristic enthusiasm, were met with confusion from the gathered press corps.
While Brule’s long-term policy objectives remain unclear, analysts agree that his tenure at HHS will be closely watched as a test of the administration’s unconventional approach to governance.