Trump Nominates Casey Means as Surgeon General, Cites RFK Jr. Recommendation

Former President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means as the new U.S. Surgeon General, replacing his initial pick, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat. The unexpected shift in nominations has sparked considerable discussion, particularly due to Trump’s own admission that he is unfamiliar with Means and relied heavily on the recommendation of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

"Because Bobby thought she was fantastic, brilliant woman who went through Stanford – wanted to be academic instead of physician," Trump stated to reporters on Thursday. "I don’t know her, I listened to Bobby. I think she’ll be great."

The President had previously touted Means as a fierce advocate for “Make America Healthy Again (MAHA),” suggesting her involvement in shaping the administration’s health agenda. Means, along with her brother Calley Means, has gained prominence as a wellness influencer. In 2024, the siblings co-authored a book titled "Good Energy," focusing on the chronic disease epidemic. Furthermore, Casey Means is the co-founder of Levels, a health-tech company.

Calley Means previously served as a top special advisor to Kennedy within the administration.

The withdrawal of Nesheiwat’s nomination remains unclear. Fox News Digital reported reaching out to the White House for clarification but did not receive an immediate response.

Shanahan’s Allegations

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s running mate in the 2024 election, has publicly criticized the selection of Means. In a post on X, Shanahan alleged that she was assured that neither Casey nor Calley Means would be employed by HHS or hold an appointment if she supported Kennedy’s Senate confirmation.

"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)," Shanahan wrote. "I don’t know if RFK very clearly lied to me, or what is going on. It has been clear in recent conversations that he is reporting to someone regularly who is controlling his decisions (and it isnt President Trump)."

These allegations raise questions about the internal dynamics of the administration and the extent of Kennedy’s influence on personnel decisions.

Nesheiwat’s Response

Despite the withdrawal of her nomination, Nesheiwat expressed her continued support for Trump and indicated that she would be working closely with Kennedy in a senior policy role.

In a follow-up post on X, Nesheiwat stated she was "looking forward" to continuing to support Trump while working closely with Kennedy. "My focus continues to be on improving the health and well-being of all Americans, and that mission hasn’t changed," she concluded.

Nesheiwat is the sister-in-law of Michael Waltz, the recently dismissed National Security Advisor. Trump has reportedly indicated his intention to nominate Waltz as the next ambassador to the United Nations, following the withdrawal of his initial nominee, New York GOP Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

Implications of Means’ Nomination

The nomination of Casey Means as Surgeon General presents several potential implications. Her background as a wellness influencer and advocate for preventative health measures aligns with the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. Her focus on addressing chronic diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles could lead to new initiatives and policies aimed at improving public health.

However, her lack of extensive traditional medical experience and her reliance on alternative approaches to health may face scrutiny during the confirmation process. Concerns could be raised about her qualifications to oversee the nation’s public health matters and her potential to prioritize certain health philosophies over others.

The fact that Trump admitted he does not know Means personally and relied solely on Kennedy’s recommendation also raises questions about the vetting process and the potential for external influences on presidential appointments. Shanahan’s allegations further complicate the situation, suggesting possible conflicts of interest or broken promises within the administration.

The confirmation hearings for Means are likely to be contentious, with senators scrutinizing her qualifications, her policy positions, and the circumstances surrounding her nomination. The outcome of the hearings will determine whether Means will become the next Surgeon General and how she will shape the future of public health in the United States.

Further Considerations

The sequence of events surrounding the Surgeon General nomination highlights several key themes within the Trump administration. The reliance on personal relationships and recommendations, the potential for internal conflicts and power struggles, and the focus on alternative approaches to traditional issues are all characteristic of Trump’s leadership style.

The nomination of Means also reflects the growing influence of the wellness industry and the increasing emphasis on preventative health measures. As healthcare costs continue to rise and chronic diseases become more prevalent, there is a growing demand for alternative approaches to health and wellness.

The confirmation hearings for Means will provide an opportunity to examine these trends and to assess the qualifications of a candidate who represents a departure from traditional medical backgrounds. The outcome of the hearings will have significant implications for the future of public health policy and the role of the Surgeon General in shaping the nation’s health priorities. The controversy surrounding the selection process underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in presidential appointments and the need for careful scrutiny of candidates’ qualifications and potential conflicts of interest.