The recent nomination of Casey Means as President Donald Trump’s new Surgeon General has sparked significant backlash and highlighted divisions within the burgeoning “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement. As an ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Means has been a prominent advocate for nutrition as a fundamental factor in health and chronic disease management. However, her selection has drawn criticism from influential figures in Kennedy's circle, who argue that she does not adequately oppose vaccines.
Trump publicly endorsed Means, praising her as someone with “impeccable MAHA credentials.” Despite this support, influential members of Kennedy’s network swiftly countered that Means lacks the necessary commitment to anti-vaccine sentiments, labeling her unqualified within hours of the announcement. On X, the primary platform for the anti-vaccine movement, some of Kennedy's vocal allies expressed that her nomination demonstrates a lack of influence by Kennedy within the Trump administration.
Mary Talley Bowden, founder of the anti-coronavirus vaccine group Americans for Health Freedom, voiced her concerns on social media, stating, “The new Surgeon General has never called for the COVID shots to be pulled off the market. That’s why she was picked.” This discontent reflects broader tensions regarding who controls health policy within the administration and how far Kennedy must go to appease the demands of his movement.
The primary duty of the Surgeon General is to serve as the nation’s family doctor, utilizing a prominent platform to address issues such as smoking, loneliness, gun violence, and alcohol consumption. This role is crucial in shaping public opinion on significant health-related topics. Tara C. Smith, a professor of epidemiology at Kent State University, noted that this controversy represents a “first big fracture” within the MAHA movement, emphasizing the importance of the Surgeon General's influence.
In response to the criticism directed at Means, Kennedy defended her on X, labeling her a “juggernaut against the ossified medical conventions.” He attributed the attacks to “entrenched interests” and “industry-funded social media gurus,” although much of the backlash originated from within his own supporter base. Kennedy asserted that the goal of MAHA is to reform the healthcare industry, which he claims has contributed to America's chronic disease epidemic.
The discord within the MAHA movement can be traced to differing priorities among its supporters. Some focus on reforming the nation’s food system, expressing concerns over petroleum-based food dyes, ultra-processed foods, and seed oils, while others attribute health issues primarily to vaccines. Means shares Kennedy’s concerns regarding food additives but has also made statements that public health experts warn could be detrimental, such as advocating for raw milk consumption.
Mike Adams, a prominent anti-vaccine advocate, criticized Means during a livestream, claiming she is not forthcoming about vaccine safety issues, labeling her an “impostor” within the movement. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities and contradictions within the MAHA coalition.
Despite the backlash, White House spokesman Kush Desai emphasized Means's qualifications, describing her as a “critical asset for President Donald Trump to Make America Healthy Again.” A graduate of the Stanford University School of Medicine, Means has established herself as a wellness influencer and entrepreneur, leading a company that develops blood glucose monitors.
Trump's decision to nominate Means followed the withdrawal of his initial pick, Janette Nesheiwat, who faced criticism for her early praise of coronavirus vaccines. The appointment of Means has led to further scrutiny from some Kennedy supporters, who have expressed concerns over her rising influence, particularly given that her brother, Calley Means, serves as a White House adviser on nutrition.
Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s running mate during his presidential campaign, voiced her discontent over the Means siblings’ involvement, suggesting she was misled about their roles in health agencies. This has prompted speculation about Kennedy's influence and decision-making power within the Trump administration.
The intense criticism directed at Means has underscored the infighting within the MAHA movement, with observers noting the uncertainty surrounding its objectives. Craig Spencer, an associate professor at Brown University, remarked on the unexpected nature of the backlash, suggesting that it reflects the nebulous identity of the movement.
As Casey Means navigates her new role amid this criticism, she has previously expressed skepticism towards vaccines, including concerns about the childhood immunization schedule. Supporters within the MAHA movement, particularly those focused on food issues, have praised her nomination, considering her understanding of nutrition as essential for advancing public health.
In conclusion, the nomination of Casey Means as Surgeon General has unveiled significant divisions within the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, illustrating the complex interplay of health policy, nutrition, and vaccine skepticism within the current political landscape.
