In a significant move, President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means, a prominent wellness influencer, as his choice for the position of Surgeon General. This decision follows the withdrawal of his previous nominee, Janette Nesheiwat, marking a noteworthy shift in Trump's health-related appointments. Dr. Means is closely associated with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and her nomination has sparked discussions about her vision for improving public health.
In a recent social media announcement, Trump lauded Dr. Means' “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials,” referencing the slogan “Make America Healthy Again.” He expressed confidence in her ability to combat chronic diseases and enhance the overall well-being of Americans. “Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding,” Trump stated. He further emphasized, “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.”
Trump's decision to nominate Dr. Means comes after he withdrew Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News medical contributor, from consideration for the role of U.S. Surgeon General. Nesheiwat was scheduled for a confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee but is now out of the running. This marks at least the second time Trump has pulled a health-related nomination from Senate consideration.
Dr. Means and her brother, Calley Means, have played pivotal roles in Kennedy's presidential campaign for 2024, contributing to his endorsement of Trump last summer. The siblings have gained visibility among Trump's supporters and have received accolades from notable figures like conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and podcaster Joe Rogan. Calley Means currently serves as a White House adviser, advocating for various MAHA initiatives, such as modifying SNAP benefits and addressing fluoride in drinking water.
Despite her significant public presence, Dr. Means lacks formal government experience and previously exited her surgical residency program due to disillusionment with traditional medicine. She is the founder of Levels, a health tech company aimed at assisting users in tracking their blood sugar and other health metrics. Additionally, she monetizes her brand through various dietary supplements and wellness products promoted on her social media platforms.
In her discussions, Dr. Means and her brother often highlight the myriad factors contributing to the nation's health crisis, attributing issues to corrupt food industries and the reliance on pharmaceuticals for managing conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Means has articulated a broad perspective, linking dietary and lifestyle changes to numerous health issues, including infertility, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.
While Dr. Means has largely avoided engaging with Kennedy's contentious views on vaccines, she has called for increased scrutiny regarding vaccine safety on her website. She advocates for easing the process for patients to sue pharmaceutical companies in cases of vaccine-related injuries. Since the late 1980s, federal laws have provided legal protections for vaccine manufacturers, which has been a topic of much debate.
If confirmed, Dr. Means will oversee the U.S. Public Health Service Corps, comprising 6,000 members, and will be responsible for issuing advisories on public health threats. This role is crucial in promoting public health initiatives and addressing national health challenges.
Janette Nesheiwat, Trump's initial choice for Surgeon General, has a background as a medical director for an urgent care facility in New York and has made frequent appearances on Fox News. She is known for her support of Trump and is connected to former national security adviser Mike Waltz, who has been nominated as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations. However, Nesheiwat faced criticism from within conservative circles, particularly from Laura Loomer, who questioned her qualifications and background.
As the political landscape evolves, the nomination of Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General has ignited discussions about health policy and the future direction of public health initiatives under Trump's administration.
