Trump names Eric Hargan as acting health secretary

The appointment follows Tom Price’s resignation as Secretary of Health and Human Services late in September over his use of costly private charter planes for government business.

US President Donald Trump has appointed Eric Hargan as acting Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), the White House said on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday. (AP photo)

Hargan, the deputy secretary of HHS, formerly served on Trump’s transition team for HHS.

The appointment follows Tom Price’s resignation as HHS Secretary late in September over his use of costly private charter planes for government business.

US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, considered a potential successor to Price, said on Tuesday he believed he could best serve the Trump administration in his current role.