White House considering replacing HHS chief Azar: reports

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly considering replacing its Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar, because of early missteps in the handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the Wall Street Journal and Politico said on Saturday.

According to the Wall Street Journal, which cited six sources, frustration with Azar was growing, but the Trump administration was reluctant to make big changes while the country was seeking to stop the outbreak.

Politico said the short list of names to replace Azar included Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus coordinator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services chief Seema Verma and deputy HHS Secretary Eric Hargan.

Azar was appointed HHS secretary in January 2018.

Following the reports, HHS spokesperson Caitlin Oakley said: "Secretary Azar is busy responding to a global, public health crisis and doesn't have time for palace intrigue."

White House spokesperson Judd Deere also dismissed the report and said it's irresponsible to make the speculation.

"Any speculation about personnel is irresponsible and a distraction from our whole-of-government response to COVID-19," Deere said.

(With input from Reuters)