President Donald Trump has put forward Dr. Casey Means, known for her wellness advocacy and authorship, as the nominee for the role of U.S. Surgeon General. This nomination follows Trump’s decision to withdraw his previous nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News contributor, after concerns arose regarding her medical credentials.
Trump shared the nomination change on his Truth Social platform, stating that “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.”
Means has become a notable figure in the MAHA movement, working alongside her brother Calley Means, who advises Secretary Kennedy. Their book, “Good Energy,” a New York Times bestseller, and their appearances on various media platforms have contributed to their rise in prominence.
Means graduated from Stanford Medical School and began a surgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University, which she did not complete. Her medical license is inactive. She has publicly expressed her views that traditional medicine does not sufficiently address the root causes of chronic illness, such as diet and lifestyle.
After leaving traditional medicine, Means co-founded Levels, a health tech company providing continuous glucose monitors and an app to track blood sugar, aimed at improving metabolic health through informed dietary and lifestyle choices.
Casey and Calley Means have criticized the pharmaceutical and food sectors, highlighting issues they perceive in the American healthcare system. Casey has raised concerns about vaccines and the FDA’s operations.
The surgeon general nomination change comes as part of a broader pattern within the Trump administration. In March, the White House withdrew the nomination of former Rep. Dave Weldon for CDC director when it became clear he lacked sufficient Senate support due to past controversial comments about vaccines.
Nesheiwat’s nomination was withdrawn just one day before her scheduled Senate confirmation hearing. Questions about her credentials had intensified after independent journalist Anthony Clark revealed discrepancies in how she had represented her education. While Nesheiwat had listed an M.D. degree from the University of Arkansas on her LinkedIn profile, records showed she actually received her medical degree from American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer, who has reportedly influenced several Trump administration personnel decisions, had also publicly criticized Nesheiwat for her support of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. In a 2021 opinion piece, Nesheiwat had called the vaccine “a gift from God.”
Despite the withdrawal of her surgeon general nomination, Nesheiwat appears set to remain within the administration. In his announcement, Trump indicated that she would work “in another capacity” at HHS alongside Secretary Kennedy.
Last year, Means participated in a prominent roundtable on American health and nutrition hosted by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson. The event featured several key figures now associated with the Trump administration’s health initiatives, including Secretary Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.
As surgeon general, Means would oversee the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, which consists of approximately 6,000 uniformed health officers. The position is often referred to as “the nation’s doctor” and focuses on providing guidance to Americans about improving their health through advisories, reports, and public education initiatives.
The surgeon general nomination reflects the growing influence of the MAHA movement within the Trump administration’s health policy approach. This agenda emphasizes addressing chronic disease through nutritional and lifestyle interventions while scrutinizing what proponents view as problematic relationships between government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and food manufacturers.
The nomination of Dr. Means has sparked debate within conservative circles. Some supporters praise her holistic approach to health, while critics question her qualifications and views on vaccines. Means’ inactive medical license has come under scrutiny, with discussions about whether this status affects her eligibility for the Surgeon General position.
In response to the backlash, President Trump stated, “I don’t know her,” indicating that he relied on Secretary Kennedy’s recommendation for the nomination.
As of now, Dr. Means’ nomination awaits Senate confirmation, with hearings expected to address concerns raised by both supporters and critics.