Trump denies he is about to fire Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar

In a tweet, Trump said that "Reports that H.H.S. Secretary @AlexAzar is going to be 'fired' by me" are false.

He accused the media of being "...desperate to create the perception of chaos & havoc in the minds of the public. They never even called to ask. Alex is doing an excellent job!"

A senior administration official told CNN on Saturday evening that White House officials are discussing plans to replace Azar following a spate of criticism of the early response to the coronavirus.

CNN did call the White House for reaction after the first reports emerged Saturday evening that there were discussions about removing Azar.

Deputy White House press secretary Judd Deere told CNN on Saturday, "The Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Secretary Azar, continues to lead on a number of the President's priorities. Any speculation about personnel is irresponsible and a distraction from our whole-of-government response to COVID-19."