On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Casey Means, an author, influencer, and health entrepreneur, as the new Surgeon General of the United States. This decision comes after Trump decided to replace his initial nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, who encountered scrutiny from one of Trump’s far-right advisers and faced questions regarding her credentials.
Dr. Means is a vocal supporter of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. This initiative criticizes pharmaceutical and food companies, labeling them as corrupt and attributing the surge in chronic diseases to these entities. As the US Surgeon General, Dr. Means will assume a pivotal role, serving as the leading authority on public health and acting as the nation’s doctor.
In a public announcement, President Trump emphasized that Dr. Means possesses “impeccable MAHA credentials” and is poised to combat the ongoing Chronic Disease Epidemic. He also mentioned that Dr. Nesheiwat would be assigned to another unspecified role within the health department.
At just 37 years old, Dr. Means holds a medical degree from Stanford University, although she later opted to withdraw from a medical residency program. She is the co-founder of Levels, a company specializing in glucose monitoring. Furthermore, her professional background includes research roles at the National Institutes of Health and various universities.
In 2024, Dr. Means co-authored a book titled Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health with her brother, Calley Means. The book has gained traction among conservative audiences, drawing attention from prominent podcasters like Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson. During an appearance on Carlson's podcast, Dr. Means discussed how chronic illnesses are a direct result of our toxic food system and environment. She stated, “These subtle insidious forces… allow patients to be profitable and on the pharma treadmill for their entire lives.”
Both Casey and Calley Means are ardent supporters of Secretary Kennedy. Following his swearing-in, Dr. Means expressed her alignment with RFK Jr.’s vision, stating it reflects her aspirations for her family and future generations.
A confirmation hearing for Dr. Nesheiwat was scheduled for Thursday; however, complications arose last month when reports indicated she may have misrepresented her medical degree. According to CBS News, journalist Anthony Clark revealed that Dr. Nesheiwat claimed to have graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine when, in fact, she obtained her degree from the American University of the Caribbean located on the Dutch island of St. Maarten. While she completed her residency at the University of Arkansas, she did not receive a degree from there.
Furthermore, Dr. Nesheiwat faced backlash from Laura Loomer, a far-right figure and ally of President Trump. Loomer criticized Dr. Nesheiwat's qualifications and her stance on COVID-19 vaccines, further complicating her nomination process.
During Trump’s first term, the Surgeon General was Jerome Adams, an anesthetist who previously served as the state health commissioner of Indiana. The nomination of Casey Means signals a significant shift in the administration's approach to public health, with an emphasis on alternative health perspectives and a critical view of established healthcare systems.
