In a significant shift in U.S. public health leadership, President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means as the new Surgeon General, following the withdrawal of his initial pick, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat. This nomination not only reflects a departure from traditional public health appointments but also aligns closely with the controversial "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda, championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Dr. Means, a wellness entrepreneur and bestselling author, announced her nomination via Trump’s Truth Social platform, where he praised her as having "impeccable 'MAHA' credentials" and the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in U.S. history. This appointment comes amid growing scrutiny of the nation’s chronic disease epidemic, which Trump aims to address with Means at the helm.
Dr. Casey Means, who earned her medical degree from Stanford University in 2014, initially trained as an otolaryngologist but left her residency at Oregon Health & Science University in 2018. Disillusioned with the traditional medical model, she pivoted towards functional medicine, focusing on metabolic health and preventive care. She co-founded Levels, a health tech startup that promotes continuous glucose monitoring and has raised nearly $100 million in venture capital since 2021.
Means has emerged as a prominent voice in the wellness community, particularly after co-authoring the book "Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health" with her brother, Calley Means, a White House health adviser. The book argues that America’s chronic disease epidemic is largely driven by poor metabolic health stemming from diet, lifestyle, and systemic issues within government health institutions.
In her advocacy, Means has criticized the influence of pharmaceutical companies and processed food manufacturers, claiming that the current health crisis is exacerbated by a corrupt alliance between these industries. "Chronic illnesses are driven by our toxic food system and our toxic environment," she stated during an appearance on Tucker Carlson's show, which has garnered her a significant following among conservative audiences.
However, her nomination has sparked controversy, particularly due to her skepticism regarding vaccines. While she has not aligned herself with the most extreme views of Kennedy, she has called for further investigation into vaccine safety and has suggested rolling back legal protections for vaccine manufacturers that were established to encourage development without fear of lawsuits. In an October 2024 newsletter, she wrote, "The current extreme and growing vaccine schedule is causing health declines in vulnerable children," raising eyebrows among public health officials.
The withdrawal of Dr. Nesheiwat came after questions were raised about her medical credentials, particularly after it was revealed that she misrepresented her alma mater. Nesheiwat claimed to have graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, but she actually earned her degree from the American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten. This revelation, combined with her perceived pro-COVID vaccine stance, led to significant criticism from Trump allies, including far-right activist Laura Loomer.
As the U.S. Surgeon General, Means will oversee the 6,000-member U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and serve as the nation's top public health spokesperson. Her role will involve issuing health advisories, guiding national health priorities, and addressing the chronic disease epidemic that has plagued America for years.
The MAHA agenda, which Means and Kennedy support, aims to reform food systems, eliminate harmful food additives, and advocate for healthier school nutrition programs. This approach is seen as a direct challenge to established public health norms, and it has already begun to polarize opinions within the healthcare community.
Critics of Means' nomination argue that her unconventional background and views could undermine the integrity of the Surgeon General's office. Jessica Hockett, a researcher and commentator, expressed skepticism about the role of public health authorities, stating, "The nomination of influencer Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General exposes just how hollow and performative this taxpayer-funded role has become." Hockett's remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some that the Surgeon General's position is becoming increasingly politicized.
Moreover, Debbie Lerman, a retired science writer, suggested that the Means siblings may be leveraging populist discontent over COVID-19 policies for personal gain. She questioned their portrayal as medical freedom advocates, noting their silence on lockdowns and vaccine mandates during the pandemic while successfully securing funding for their ventures.
As Dr. Means awaits Senate confirmation, her nomination is expected to face rigorous scrutiny from both Democrats and public health traditionalists. The outcome will likely hinge on how her views align with the broader public health community and whether her unconventional approach can resonate with a divided electorate.
The nomination of Dr. Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General represents a pivotal moment in American healthcare, signaling a shift towards a more personalized and prevention-focused model. Whether this will lead to meaningful change in addressing the nation’s chronic disease crisis remains to be seen, but it has already ignited a passionate debate about the future of public health in the United States.
