(CNN) Health and Human Services Department Secretary Alex Azar confirmed Wednesday that former 2016 Trump campaign adviser Michael Caputo will serve as the department's new spokesperson, putting a vocal defender of President Donald Trump in a key messaging role.

"I'm delighted to have Michael Caputo join our team at @HHSGov as our Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, especially at this critical time in our nation's public health history," Azar tweeted.

I'm delighted to have Michael Caputo join our team at @HHSGov as our Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, especially at this critical time in our nation's public health history. pic.twitter.com/xf2YFeXzqy — Secretary Alex Azar (@SecAzar) April 15, 2020

Caputo was sworn in to the role on Tuesday and Wednesday was his first day, a source familiar with the situation told CNN, who also said to expect to see an uncomfortable power dynamic between Azar and Caputo.

"I am honored to serve the President to the best of my abilities in this time of crisis and, in so doing, the American people," Caputo said in a statement.

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