On May 7, 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines by nominating Dr. Casey Means as the new U.S. Surgeon General, replacing his initial pick, Janette Nesheiwat. This decision comes amid significant scrutiny of Nesheiwat's credentials, which had raised concerns among some of Trump's far-right allies.
Dr. Means, a 37-year-old wellness influencer and health entrepreneur, is closely aligned with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda. Trump praised Means in a social media post, stating, "Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding. Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History." He emphasized her role in addressing chronic diseases and improving the health of Americans.
Means is known for her critical stance on traditional medicine, having dropped out of her surgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University due to disillusionment with the medical system. Instead, she founded a health tech company called Levels, which offers continuous glucose monitors and helps users track various health metrics.
Her views on health extend beyond just monitoring glucose levels. In her 2024 book, "Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health," co-authored with her brother Calley Means, she discusses how chronic illnesses are exacerbated by the American food system and lifestyle choices. During various media appearances, Means has argued, "Almost every chronic health symptom that Western medicine addresses is the result of our cells being beleaguered by how we’ve come to live." She links poor diet and sedentary lifestyles to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, infertility, and even Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Means' nomination follows Trump's withdrawal of Nesheiwat, who had been slated for a confirmation hearing on May 8, 2025. Nesheiwat faced backlash for her support of the COVID-19 vaccine and allegations regarding her academic history, which included claims of misrepresenting her medical degree. Reports indicated that she had claimed a degree from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, but she actually graduated from the American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten.
Critics of Means and her approach to health, including some public health experts, have raised concerns about her promotion of dietary supplements and her skepticism of vaccines. While Means has largely avoided the more controversial views on vaccines espoused by Kennedy, she has called for more research into their safety and has suggested that vaccine manufacturers should face increased liability for any adverse effects.
Means and her brother have been vocal advocates for reforming the food and health industries, often criticizing the influence of pharmaceutical companies and food conglomerates on public health. They argue that these entities contribute to the chronic disease epidemic by promoting unhealthy diets and lifestyles. At a Senate roundtable event on food and nutrition, Means stated, "American health is getting destroyed. If the current trends continue... we’re going to be looking at a genocidal-level health collapse." This stark warning underscores the urgency she feels regarding the health crisis in the U.S.
Trump's decision to nominate Means signals a shift in the administration's approach to public health, leaning towards influencers who advocate for alternative health perspectives rather than traditional medical authority. This move has been met with a mix of praise and criticism. Supporters argue that Means' innovative ideas and focus on root causes of health issues could lead to meaningful change, while detractors worry about the potential rollback of established public health practices.
As the new Surgeon General, if confirmed, Means would oversee the U.S. Public Health Service and be responsible for issuing advisories on public health threats. Her nomination is significant not only for its implications on health policy but also for its reflection of the current political climate, where skepticism towards established institutions is increasingly prevalent.
In the wake of her nomination, Means has already made a name for herself in conservative circles, frequently appearing on platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast and Tucker Carlson's show, where she has garnered significant attention. Her views resonate with a growing segment of the population that feels disenchanted with traditional healthcare and is seeking alternatives.
Ultimately, Dr. Means' nomination represents a broader trend within the Trump administration, which has increasingly favored candidates who challenge conventional wisdom in favor of unorthodox approaches to health and wellness. As the confirmation process unfolds, the implications of her appointment will likely spark debate about the future direction of public health policy in the United States.
