President Donald Trump has named Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and author known for her work, as his nominee for U.S. Surgeon General. This nomination follows the withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News contributor, due to questions regarding her medical credentials.
Trump disclosed 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 notable figure in the MAHA movement with her brother Calley Means, who advises Secretary Kennedy. They gained attention with their book “Good Energy,” a New York Times bestseller, and their media appearances.
A graduate of Stanford Medical School in California, Means initially pursued a surgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University but left before completing it. She holds an inactive medical license and has publicly criticized traditional medicine’s approach to chronic diseases, advocating for more attention to diet and lifestyle factors.
After leaving her medical residency, Means co-founded Levels, a health technology company that provides continuous glucose monitors and an app to track blood sugar levels, aiming to help users make better dietary and lifestyle choices.
Casey and Calley Means have often criticized the pharmaceutical and food industries, discussing issues they perceive in American healthcare. Casey Means has raised concerns about vaccine schedules and the FDA.
This nomination shift is part of a broader trend in the Trump administration, as seen in March when the White House withdrew the nomination of Dave Weldon for CDC director due to lack of Senate support over his controversial vaccine comments.
Nesheiwat’s nomination was withdrawn a day before her Senate confirmation hearing. Concerns about her credentials arose after journalist Anthony Clark pointed out inconsistencies in her educational background, showing a discrepancy between her LinkedIn profile and official records.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer, influential in some of Trump’s personnel decisions, criticized Nesheiwat for her stance on COVID-19 vaccines, recalling her 2021 statement calling the vaccine “a gift from God.”
Despite the withdrawal, Trump announced that Nesheiwat would continue to serve within the administration, working with Secretary Kennedy in another capacity at HHS.
Means participated in a significant roundtable on health and nutrition hosted by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson last year, featuring several figures now linked to the Trump administration’s health policy, including Secretary Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.
As Surgeon General, Means would oversee the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps of about 6,000 health officers, tasked with guiding public health initiatives and education.
The nomination reflects the rising impact of the MAHA movement in Trump’s health policy, focusing on chronic disease through diet and lifestyle, while examining government and industry relationships.
Dr. Means’ nomination has stirred discussion among conservatives, with some praising her approach and others questioning her qualifications and vaccine views. Her inactive medical license has been under scrutiny in terms of her eligibility for the role.
Responding to criticism, Trump stated, “I don’t know her,” indicating reliance on Secretary Kennedy’s recommendation for the nomination.
Dr. Means’ nomination is pending Senate confirmation, with hearings anticipated to address both support and concerns.
