Trump Announces Dr. Casey Means as New Surgeon General Nominee
Former President Donald Trump has announced Dr. Casey Means as his new pick for Surgeon General, replacing the previously nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat. The announcement was made via a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he lauded Means’ qualifications and her alignment with his administration’s health agenda.
Trump emphasized Means’ "impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials," referring to the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, and expressed confidence in her ability to work closely with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to "reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic, and ensure Great Health, in the future, for ALL Americans." He further stated that Dr. Means has the potential to be "one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History."
Dr. Means, a Stanford-trained physician, has gained prominence as a wellness influencer and advocate for proactive health measures. She has been actively involved in shaping the administration’s health agenda, alongside her brother, Calley Means. Both co-authored a book titled "Good Energy" in 2024, which addresses the chronic disease epidemic and explores strategies for improving overall well-being. Dr. Means is also the co-founder of Levels, a health-tech company focused on metabolic health monitoring.
Calley Means has already been appointed as a top special advisor to Secretary Kennedy, indicating a strong emphasis on their approach to healthcare within the administration. The Trump administration is reportedly planning to phase out food dyes, signaling a shift toward addressing potential environmental and dietary contributors to health issues.
The decision to nominate Dr. Means comes after Trump had previously announced Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News contributor, as his pick for Surgeon General. The reasons behind the change in nomination remain unclear. While the White House has not yet provided an official explanation, Trump indicated that Secretary Kennedy "looks forward to working with Dr. Janette Nesheiwat in another capacity at HHS."
Dr. Nesheiwat confirmed her continued support for Trump and her intention to work closely with Secretary Kennedy in a senior policy role. She stated her focus remains on improving the health and well-being of all Americans.
Dr. Nesheiwat’s sister-in-law is Michael Waltz, who was recently removed as National Security Advisor. Trump has indicated that he will nominate Waltz to be the next ambassador to the United Nations after dropping his initial nominee, New York GOP Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. This further change indicates the dynamic nature of presidential appointments.
Dr. Means’ nomination is expected to generate significant discussion, given her background in the wellness industry and her advocacy for specific dietary and lifestyle interventions. Her association with the "Make America Healthy Again" movement suggests a focus on preventative care and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.
The role of Surgeon General is a critical one, responsible for advising the President and the public on matters related to public health. The Surgeon General also oversees the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a uniformed service of health professionals. The confirmation process for Surgeon General involves a Senate hearing and a vote, where lawmakers will have the opportunity to question Dr. Means about her qualifications, views on public health issues, and her plans for the office.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services has been a subject of controversy, due to his vocal opposition to vaccines and his promotion of unsubstantiated claims about their safety. His selection has raised concerns among public health experts, who fear it could undermine trust in established medical practices and hinder efforts to combat infectious diseases.
The potential collaboration between Dr. Means and Secretary Kennedy is a point of interest for observers, as their combined influence could significantly impact the direction of health policy under the Trump administration. It remains to be seen how their shared vision for "making America healthy again" will translate into concrete policy changes and initiatives.
Dr. Means’ background as a wellness influencer and health-tech entrepreneur brings a unique perspective to the Surgeon General role. Her experience in leveraging digital platforms to promote healthy lifestyles could prove valuable in reaching a wider audience with public health messages. However, it also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of the health-tech industry on government policy.
The replacement of Dr. Nesheiwat with Dr. Means highlights the evolving priorities of the Trump administration and the emphasis being placed on alternative and preventative health measures.
