President Donald Trump has unexpectedly withdrawn his nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat for U.S. Surgeon General, opting instead to nominate Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer with strong ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The abrupt shift occurred just one day before Nesheiwat’s scheduled Senate confirmation hearing.
Trump announced the change on his social media platform, Truth Social, on May 7th. In his post, he highlighted Dr. Means’ qualifications as a physician specializing in functional medicine. He emphasized her potential to collaborate effectively with Secretary Kennedy Jr. in addressing the nation’s chronic disease epidemic and promoting overall health for all Americans. Trump specifically referenced the "Make America Healthy Again" slogan, suggesting that Means’ appointment is strategically aligned with this broader health-focused initiative.
The decision to replace Nesheiwat with Means raises several questions about the motivations behind the switch and the potential implications for the Surgeon General’s office. Nesheiwat, who is also the sister-in-law of former national security advisor Michael Waltz, was slated to take on a different role within the Department of Health and Human Services, as announced by Trump. The precise nature of this new role was not immediately specified.
The selection of Casey Means is particularly notable due to her profile as a wellness influencer and her connection to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Functional medicine, which Means practices, emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness rather than solely treating symptoms. This approach often involves lifestyle modifications, personalized nutrition plans, and other alternative therapies.
While functional medicine is gaining popularity, it has also faced skepticism from some in the mainstream medical community who argue that certain functional medicine practices lack rigorous scientific evidence. The Surgeon General is typically expected to provide evidence-based recommendations to the public on a wide range of health issues. Therefore, Means’ background in functional medicine could lead to debates about the scientific basis of her advice and recommendations.
The connection to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. further complicates the situation. Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal advocate for vaccine safety and has often expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with vaccines. These views are at odds with the overwhelming scientific consensus supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
If confirmed as Surgeon General, Means would be in a highly visible position to influence public health policy and disseminate health information. Her alignment with Kennedy Jr.’s views on vaccines could raise concerns among public health experts who worry that her appointment could undermine efforts to promote vaccination and combat vaccine hesitancy.
Moreover, the fact that Means’ sibling, Calley Means, works as an advisor to Kennedy Jr. suggests a close-knit network of individuals who share similar perspectives on health and wellness. This close association could raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and whether the Surgeon General’s office would be used to promote specific agendas or ideologies.
The Senate confirmation process for Means is likely to be contentious, with senators from both parties scrutinizing her qualifications, her views on key public health issues, and her relationship with Kennedy Jr. Democrats are likely to raise concerns about her lack of experience in traditional public health leadership roles and her association with views that contradict established scientific consensus.
Republicans, on the other hand, might be more receptive to Means’ focus on holistic health and alternative therapies, particularly if they align with the Trump administration’s broader agenda of deregulation and reducing government intervention in healthcare.
The sudden change in nomination also reflects a broader pattern of unpredictability and last-minute decisions that have characterized Trump’s approach to governance. The decision to pull Nesheiwat’s nomination just hours before her scheduled confirmation hearing suggests a lack of thorough vetting and planning. It also raises questions about the White House’s communication and coordination with Congress.
The selection of Casey Means as Surgeon General has the potential to significantly shift the direction of public health policy in the United States. Her background in functional medicine, her close ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the broader political context in which her nomination is occurring all point to a period of uncertainty and potential controversy. The Senate confirmation process will be a crucial opportunity to examine her qualifications and ensure that she is committed to upholding the principles of evidence-based public health. Her perspectives on scientific consensus, vaccination, and broader health policy will need to be thoroughly scrutinized before she assumes this important role. How this confirmation process unfolds will have profound implications for the future of public health messaging and policy across the nation.
