President Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Dr. Casey Means as the new U.S. surgeon general, following the withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat’s nomination. The decision, made on May 7, 2025, comes amid scrutiny of Nesheiwat's previous comments and affiliations, particularly regarding her support for the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Means, stating she possesses "impeccable 'MAHA' credentials," referring to his initiative, "Make America Healthy Again." He emphasized her academic achievements and described her as having the potential to be "one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History." Means, who graduated from Stanford Medical School, has shifted her focus from surgery to functional medicine and is a co-founder of the health app Levels, which connects to glucose monitors to help users manage their health.
Means is also recognized as a health and wellness influencer, advocating for lifestyle-based approaches to health, particularly in areas concerning metabolic health and chronic disease prevention. Her brother, Calley Means, is a special government employee who advises Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., further solidifying the family's influence in health policy.
The withdrawal of Nesheiwat’s nomination occurred just a day before she was scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for her confirmation hearing. While Trump did not elaborate on the reasons for the withdrawal, it followed critical remarks from activist Laura Loomer, who questioned Nesheiwat’s qualifications and past support for the COVID-19 vaccine. Loomer labeled Nesheiwat as a "pro-COVID vaccine nepo appointee" and highlighted her alleged involvement in medical malpractice litigation.
Prior to the announcement, Nesheiwat was positioned as a loyal Trump supporter, often appearing as a medical contributor on Fox News. However, her nomination faced backlash due to her previous comments on hydroxychloroquine and her promotion of dietary supplements that claimed to strengthen the immune system within weeks. Critics argued that her background did not align with the expectations for a surgeon general, a role that traditionally requires a strong foundation in public health.
As the new nominee, Means will oversee the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, which comprises over 6,000 public health professionals. This role is crucial in shaping the national public health agenda and addressing major health threats facing the nation.
Means has gained attention for her outspoken views on the U.S. healthcare system, arguing that it prioritizes profit over health. In a November interview, she stated, "Health is getting destroyed in the United States, which we don't really talk about, because it's not profitable to heal in this country. It's profitable to keep people sick and then drug them, cut them and bill them, which is what we learn how to do. What we have here is a disconnection crisis." This perspective aligns with her commitment to reversing chronic disease trends and promoting better health outcomes for Americans.
Trump’s decision to nominate Means reflects a shift in his administration’s approach to public health, emphasizing a focus on wellness and preventive care. The nomination also highlights the growing influence of alternative health perspectives within mainstream healthcare discussions.
With the Senate confirmation process ahead, Means will need to navigate the political landscape, particularly given the scrutiny her predecessor faced. The surgeon general's role is pivotal, as the individual serves as the nation’s leading spokesperson on public health issues, issuing advisories and recommendations to the public.
In the wake of Nesheiwat's withdrawal, the Trump administration continues to face challenges in securing nominees for key health positions. This trend follows a series of failed nominations in recent months, including those for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As the confirmation process unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how Means' nomination is received by the Senate and whether she can effectively advocate for the administration's health agenda. The stakes are high, as public health remains a critical issue for many Americans, especially in light of ongoing health crises and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In summary, Dr. Casey Means' nomination as U.S. surgeon general marks a significant development in the Trump administration's health policy approach, emphasizing a proactive stance on wellness and chronic disease management. The upcoming confirmation hearings will be crucial in determining the future direction of public health leadership in the United States.
