President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means, a physician who has transitioned into a wellness influencer and is closely associated with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as his pick for surgeon general. Trump withdrew his initial nominee for the position and praised Means for her dedication to promoting health and wellness in America under the “Make America Healthy Again” slogan. He highlighted her academic achievements and described her as a potential standout Surgeon General in U.S. history.
The new nominee, Dr. Casey Means, is replacing former Fox News medical contributor Janette Nesheiwat for the role, who was withdrawn from consideration. Means, along with her brother Calley Means, supported Kennedy’s presidential bid and played a role in his endorsement of Trump. Calley Means is currently a White House adviser advocating for health policies aligned with the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
Casey Means, who lacks government experience and left her surgical residency program, is the founder of a health tech company called Levels. She promotes various health products on social media and advocates for tracking blood sugar levels among other health metrics. Means attributes many health issues to the American diet and lifestyle, connecting them to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, infertility, Alzheimer’s, and more.
While highlighting the potential impact of processed foods on health, experts caution against oversimplifying the issue. Nutrition researcher Gabby Headrick notes that not all processed foods are equally detrimental to health. Means has refrained from endorsing Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines but has called for further safety investigations on her website.
Federal law has protected drugmakers from legal liability since the late 1980s to encourage the development of vaccines without the threat of costly personal injury lawsuits. This protection is now being questioned as it may make it easier for patients to sue in the event of vaccine injuries.
A surgeon trained at Stanford University has gained online popularity by criticizing the medical establishment and advocating for natural foods and lifestyle changes to combat obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. If appointed as surgeon general, this individual would work towards advancing a wide-ranging agenda focused on removing harmful additives and chemicals from U.S. foods, addressing conflicts of interest in federal agencies, and promoting healthier food choices in schools and nutrition programs.
Another nominee for the position of surgeon general, who is a medical director at an urgent care company in New York, has faced criticism and controversy. An ally of President Trump expressed concerns about this nominee’s qualifications, including questions about her medical education and a medical malpractice case. Despite these issues, the nominee remains a vocal supporter of the President and is connected to prominent individuals in the administration.
After doubts were raised about the nominee’s confirmation prospects and discrepancies in her medical education credentials, the White House decided to withdraw her nomination. The move was reportedly influenced by concerns about her ability to secure confirmation. The nominee expressed her ongoing support for the President and emphasized her commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Americans.
The surgeon general plays a critical role in overseeing the U.S. Public Health Service Corps and issuing advisories on public health threats. Recent developments have highlighted the challenges and controversies surrounding key nominations in the healthcare sector, including the withdrawal of a nominee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention due to concerns about his stance on vaccines.
