Eric David Hargan (born June 3, 1968) is an American attorney and government official known for senior leadership within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He became United States Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services on October 6, 2017 and served as Acting Secretary of HHS from October 2017 until January 2018. His public career combines legal practice, health policy work and multiple executive roles in federal health administration.

Career and government service

Hargan has held senior posts in government and the private sector, with experience in regulatory and policy matters affecting health programs. Earlier in his career he occupied roles at the Department of Health and Human Services during the administration of George W. Bush (2003–2007), where he participated in legal and policy functions. Following that period he worked in private legal practice and in advisory positions related to health-care organizations, returning to HHS in a top-level management role in 2017.

Acting Secretary, 2017–2018

After the departure of HHS’s previous secretary in 2017, President Donald Trump designated Hargan as acting Secretary of Health and Human Services on October 10, 2017. In that capacity he led the department through the transition to a permanent appointee, overseeing day-to-day operations, regulatory priorities and coordination with other federal agencies until a Senate-confirmed secretary took office in January 2018.

Roles and responsibilities

As Deputy Secretary and, at times, acting Secretary, Hargan performed duties typical of the department’s second-in-command: managing internal operations, implementing policy directives, and supervising major program areas including public health, health-care financing and regulatory activities. He served as the department’s chief operating officer and a principal adviser on administrative and budgetary matters.

Importance and notable facts

  • Hargan combines legal training with administrative experience in federal health policy.
  • His tenure bridged administrations and transitions, reflecting a managerial rather than legislative role.
  • He led HHS during a period of organizational continuity while new leadership was confirmed.

For further institutional context, see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and related materials on federal health administration. Hargan’s career illustrates the role that experienced attorneys often play in implementing and managing large public health programs.