Donald Trump has chosen Dr Casey Means, a wellness influencer closely associated with Robert F Kennedy Jr, as his new nominee for surgeon general after rescinding his initial selection for the influential healthcare position.
Trump announced on social media that Means has “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials,” a reference to the “make America healthy again” slogan, suggesting she will work to eliminate chronic disease and enhance the health and well-being of Americans.
He praised her academic accomplishments and life’s work, stating, “Dr Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.”
The news follows Trump’s decision to withdraw his original nomination, Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News medical contributor, marking at least the second healthcare-related choice to be dropped from Senate consideration. Nesheiwat was set to appear before the Senate health committee for her confirmation hearing.
Means and her brother, Calley Means, were key advisers to Kennedy’s 2024 presidential bid and helped secure his endorsement for Trump. Calley Means currently serves as a White House adviser, frequently appearing on television to promote Maha agenda items, including restrictions on SNAP benefits and the removal of fluoride from drinking water.
Casey Means, lacking government experience and having dropped out of her surgical residency program, founded a health tech company called Levels, which assists users in monitoring blood sugar levels and other health metrics. She also earns income from dietary supplements, creams, teas, and other products endorsed on her social media platforms.
In interviews and articles, Means and her brother argue that the nation’s healthcare problems are caused by a variety of factors, including food conglomerates promoting unhealthy diets and the pharmaceutical industry. They claim that these factors contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
While some health experts agree that the current US diet aids obesity, Means goes further by linking diet changes to a range of conditions, such as infertility, Alzheimer’s, depression, and erectile dysfunction.
Means generally avoids Kennedy’s disputed views on vaccines, but advocates for more research into their safety and suggests making it easier for patients to sue pharmaceutical companies for vaccine-related injuries.
The surgeon general, appointed to be the nation’s doctor, oversees the US Public Health Service Corps and can issue advisories on public health threats.
Trump’s first nomination, Janette Nesheiwat, faced controversy due to her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St Maarten, despite claiming a degree from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine. Her nomination also drew criticism from far-right Trump ally Laura Loomer.
The withdrawal of Weldon’s nomination in March was also reported by Bloomberg News, following concerns raised by Republican senators over his vaccine skepticism.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/07/trump-surgeon-general-nominee-casey-means
