President Donald Trump has tapped Dr. Casey Means, a physician-turned-wellness influencer, to be his nominee for Surgeon General, after unexpectedly withdrawing his initial pick. In a post on social media this Wednesday, Trump announced the decision, praising Means for her “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials.” This refers to the slogan “Make America Healthy Again,” a key element of the broader agenda Trump is championing. According to Trump, Dr. Means’ impressive academic background and her life's work position her to tackle chronic disease and significantly improve the health of the American people. “Her achievements are nothing short of outstanding,” he added. “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeons General in U.S. history.”
This move has drawn attention, especially since it comes on the heels of Trump withdrawing Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News medical contributor, from consideration for the same role. Nesheiwat was scheduled for a confirmation hearing with the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee but will no longer be part of the process. This marks at least the second health-related nominee that Trump has pulled back from Senate review.
Dr. Means has made a name for herself in the health world not just as a doctor, but as an advocate for radical lifestyle changes to combat America’s chronic health issues. Together with her brother, Calley Means, a former lobbyist turned prominent figure in Trump’s health agenda, Dr. Means has been a close advisor to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his 2024 presidential campaign. Both she and her brother played key roles in securing Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump last summer, cementing their influence in the health policy sphere. The Means siblings have gained further attention from high-profile figures such as conservative pundit Tucker Carlson and podcaster Joe Rogan, with Calley Means now serving as a White House advisor.
Dr. Means, despite her lack of government experience, has a diverse background. She trained as a surgeon at Stanford University but later dropped out of her surgical residency. She cited growing disillusionment with traditional medicine as the reason for her departure, eventually leading her to found Levels, a health tech company. This company helps users track their blood sugar levels and other vital health metrics. In addition to her tech endeavors, Dr. Means has also built an online empire, making money from a variety of sponsored products, such as dietary supplements, creams, and teas.
Her focus on improving the health of Americans is a critical part of the broader “MAHA” agenda, which includes controversial proposals such as removing harmful additives from foods, incentivizing healthier school lunches, and rooting out conflicts of interest within federal health agencies. As Surgeon General, Dr. Means would help lead the charge on this mission, working alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to put these ideas into practice.
Critics of Dr. Means’ approach argue that her views on food and health are overly simplistic. In her public writings and interviews, Dr. Means points to the American diet—specifically processed foods—as a key contributor to the country’s health problems. She suggests that many chronic diseases, from obesity to depression, could be directly linked to what Americans eat. She even ties these dietary issues to a range of conditions, including infertility, Alzheimer’s disease, and erectile dysfunction. “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 stated in a 2024 book she co-authored with her brother.
However, some health experts push back against her broad generalizations. According to Gabby Headrick, a nutrition researcher at George Washington University, labeling all processed foods as harmful is an oversimplification. Headrick points out that processed foods make up a significant portion of the American diet—about 60%—and includes many products that aren't inherently bad, like granola and peanut butter. "Not all processed foods are created equal,” Headrick emphasized, adding that it’s crucial to consider the complexity of how food affects health.
While Dr. Means may not agree with all of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s more controversial beliefs—such as his skepticism about vaccines—she has publicly stated her concerns about vaccine safety. On her website, Dr. Means calls for further investigation into the safety of vaccines, even suggesting that it should be easier for patients to sue pharmaceutical companies in the event of vaccine-related injuries. This position is part of a larger debate in American politics, where vaccine safety remains a contentious topic.
If confirmed as Surgeon General, Dr. Means would be charged with leading the nation’s public health efforts. As the head of the U.S. Public Health Service Corps, she would have the authority to issue advisories and warnings about public health threats. She would also be responsible for promoting the health and well-being of all Americans, a mission that aligns with the broader goals of the “MAHA” agenda.
The post of Surgeon General has historically been an influential one, as the Surgeon General is often viewed as the nation’s leading public health spokesperson. Under Dr. Means’ leadership, the role would likely take on a more radical approach, focusing on a holistic understanding of health and wellness. She is a staunch advocate for using food and lifestyle changes as preventative measures against chronic diseases, rather than relying on pharmaceutical interventions. Her nomination has sparked significant interest and debate within health and political circles, with many wondering how she will reshape the Surgeon General’s office.
This development is noteworthy for several reasons. First, it underscores the growing influence of alternative health perspectives within the political mainstream. With figures like Dr. Means and her brother, Calley, increasingly prominent in the national conversation, the conversation around healthcare and wellness is shifting. There’s a growing movement that calls for more emphasis on diet, lifestyle, and natural healing methods, with traditional medicine often being viewed as inadequate or even harmful.
Dr. Means’ ascension to the role of Surgeon General would represent a significant change in direction for U.S. health policy. If she takes the position, it could signal a move toward a future where public health is viewed through a more holistic and preventative lens. While the debate over processed foods, vaccines, and the role of pharmaceutical companies will undoubtedly continue, Dr. Means is likely to remain at the forefront of this important conversation.
Her nomination is also noteworthy because it marks a key moment in Trump’s broader political agenda. The decision to select Dr. Means is part of his larger strategy to promote the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, which includes not only addressing chronic disease but also reshaping the nation’s food system, health policies, and more. Trump’s decision to withdraw his initial pick for Surgeon General and put forward Dr. Means demonstrates his commitment to these goals and his desire to appoint leaders who share his vision for a healthier America.
As the nomination process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Senate and how they respond to Dr. Means’ candidacy. If confirmed, Dr. Means will likely face significant challenges in implementing her health policies, especially given the complex and often controversial nature of her proposals. But with the support of influential figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and her brother, Calley, Dr. Means is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of public health in the United States.
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