Trump’s Surgeon General Pick Sparks Controversy: RFK Jr. Ally Causes Division Among Supporters

Former President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of Dr. Casey Means as his pick for U.S. Surgeon General has ignited a firestorm of controversy, revealing deep divisions within his base and raising questions about the direction of his "Make America Health Again" (MAHA) platform. The selection of Means, an ally of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) and a prominent figure in the health and wellness space, has drawn both praise and sharp criticism, highlighting the complex political landscape surrounding health policy in the Trump era.

Trump unveiled Means as his nominee on May 7, replacing his initial choice, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat. The decision was met with immediate backlash from some of Trump’s staunchest supporters, who view Means’ association with RFK Jr. and her focus on metabolic health with suspicion.

In a Truth Social post on May 8, Trump defended his choice, emphasizing Means’ qualifications and potential. "Casey has impeccable MAHA credentials," he wrote. "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."

However, this endorsement has done little to quell the concerns of those who see Means as a threat to the core principles of the MAHA movement.

The decision to replace Nesheiwat with Means appears to be rooted in ideological differences regarding COVID-19 and public health measures. According to a source familiar with the decision, Nesheiwat’s previous support for masking, social distancing, and COVID-19 vaccines clashed with the MAHA vision, which, under RFK Jr.’s influence, prioritizes alternative approaches to health and disease prevention.

Trump’s post indicated that Nesheiwat will collaborate with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a different capacity, suggesting an effort to accommodate both perspectives within the administration.

Dr. Casey Means, a 37-year-old Stanford-educated physician, brings a unique blend of medical expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and online influence to the table. She is the co-founder of Levels, a company specializing in glucose monitoring technology, which aligns with her focus on metabolic health and its connection to chronic diseases.

Adding to the intrigue, Means is the sister of Calley Means, an outspoken supporter and close advisor to RFK Jr. The siblings co-authored the 2024 book "Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health," which champions RFK Jr.’s emphasis on addressing chronic diseases as a primary health priority.

Their advocacy for RFK Jr.’s "Make America Health Again" platform has further solidified their position within his circle and fueled speculation about his influence on Trump’s health policy agenda.

The Means siblings gained wider recognition after an appearance on Tucker Carlson’s podcast last August, where they discussed their views on health, nutrition, and the role of government in promoting well-being.

The selection of Means has been met with fierce opposition from figures within the MAGA movement, particularly conservative podcast host Laura Loomer. Loomer, who previously criticized Nesheiwat, has now turned her attention to Means, accusing her of being a "Marxist" and a "Trump hater" attempting to infiltrate the MAHA movement.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Loomer expressed her outrage, writing, "MAHA is literally being taken over by Marxists and Grifters. The entire MAHA movement is being taken over by Marxist Trump haters. It’s a full-fledged vetting crisis."

Loomer’s attacks highlight the deep-seated distrust and ideological divisions within the MAGA coalition, particularly regarding health policy and the role of alternative medicine.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the reaction from Nicole Shanahan, RFK Jr.’s former 2024 running mate. Shanahan expressed her disappointment with the nomination, suggesting a potential breach of promises and raising questions about RFK Jr.’s integrity.

In a post, Shanahan wrote, "Doesn’t make any sense. I was promised that if I supported RFK Jr. in his Senate confirmation that neither of these siblings would be working under HHS or in an appointment (and that people much more qualified would be). I don’t know if RFK very clearly lied to me, or what is going on."

Shanahan’s comments further fuel the controversy, suggesting that political maneuvering and broken promises may have played a role in the selection of Means. She added, "With regards to the siblings, there is something very artificial and aggressive about them."

The nomination of Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General has exposed the fault lines within Trump’s support base, highlighting the tension between traditional conservative views on health policy and the growing influence of alternative health perspectives championed by RFK Jr.

The controversy also raises questions about Trump’s decision-making process and the extent to which he is influenced by figures outside of his traditional political circle. As the debate surrounding Means’ nomination continues, it is clear that the future of the MAHA movement and the direction of health policy under a potential Trump administration remain uncertain. The appointment serves as a microcosm of the larger ideological battles shaping the Republican party and the broader political landscape.