President Donald Trump has put forward Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and author, as his nominee for the position of U.S. Surgeon General. This decision follows the withdrawal of his initial choice, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News contributor, whose nomination was scrutinized due to concerns about her medical credentials.
Trump revealed the nomination change on his Truth Social platform, stating, “Casey has impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials, and will work closely with our wonderful Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to ensure a successful implementation of our Agenda in order to reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic, and ensure Great Health, in the future, for ALL Americans.”
Over the past year, Means has become a significant figure in the MAHA movement, alongside her brother Calley Means, who is an advisor to Secretary Kennedy. Their book, “Good Energy,” gained them recognition as a New York Times bestseller, supplemented by their regular presence on podcasts and other media outlets.
Means, a Stanford Medical School graduate, initially began a surgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University but left the program. Her medical license is currently inactive. She has voiced her concerns about traditional medicine’s approach to chronic illness, arguing it overlooks fundamental factors like diet and lifestyle.
After departing from conventional medicine, Means co-founded Levels, a health tech company that provides continuous glucose monitors and an app for tracking blood sugar levels, promoting better dietary and lifestyle choices for enhanced metabolic health.
The Means siblings have been outspoken critics of the pharmaceutical and food sectors, highlighting systemic issues within American healthcare. Casey Means has also raised concerns about vaccines and the Food and Drug Administration’s operations.
This nomination adjustment is part of a broader trend in the Trump administration. Earlier in March, the White House retracted former Rep. Dave Weldon’s nomination for CDC director due to insufficient Senate support, linked to his past comments on vaccines.
Nesheiwat’s nomination was withdrawn a day before her Senate confirmation hearing. Scrutiny over her credentials increased after journalist Anthony Clark unveiled discrepancies regarding her educational background. Although her LinkedIn indicated an M.D. from the University of Arkansas, records show her degree was from American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer, influential in several Trump administration appointments, criticized Nesheiwat for endorsing COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. Nesheiwat had described the vaccine as “a gift from God” in a 2021 opinion piece.
Despite her nomination withdrawal, Nesheiwat is expected to remain in the administration. Trump suggested she will work “in another capacity” at HHS alongside Secretary Kennedy.
Last year, Means attended a notable roundtable on health and nutrition hosted by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson. The event included key figures now part of the Trump administration’s health policies, such as Secretary Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.
If confirmed, Means would lead the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, comprising about 6,000 uniformed health officers. The role, often referred to as “the nation’s doctor,” involves advising Americans on health improvements through advisories and public education.
The nomination of Dr. Means underscores the MAHA movement’s growing influence in Trump’s health policy, focusing on chronic disease through nutrition and lifestyle changes, while examining relationships between government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and food manufacturers.
Dr. Means’ nomination has sparked discussion within conservative circles. Supporters appreciate her holistic health approach, while critics question her qualifications and stance on vaccines. Her inactive medical license is under scrutiny, with debates on whether it impacts her Surgeon General eligibility.
In response to the controversy, President Trump remarked, “I don’t know her,” suggesting reliance on Secretary Kennedy’s recommendation for the nomination.
Currently, Dr. Means’ nomination is pending Senate confirmation, with hearings expected to address issues from both supporters and critics.
