Trump’s Surgeon General Pick Faces Immediate Backlash from Within MAGA

Donald Trump’s selection of Dr. Casey Means as his nominee for Surgeon General has ignited a firestorm of controversy, even among his staunchest supporters. This follows the abrupt withdrawal of his previous nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, due to concerns surrounding her qualifications. Means, a wellness influencer with a background in alternative health practices, has quickly become a target for far-right figures like Laura Loomer and former Kennedy running mate Nicole Shanahan, raising questions about her suitability for the role and Trump’s decision-making process.

Means’s background is certainly unconventional. While she attended Stanford Medical School and began a residency at Oregon Health & Science University, she ultimately did not complete the program. Furthermore, she lacks a medical license and is known for her anti-vaccine stance, which is a major point of contention for many within the medical community and even some within Trump’s base. She is the founder of Levels, a company that markets glucose monitoring products, and frequently promotes "spirituality" as an essential element of health, as evidenced by her appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast.

Laura Loomer, a prominent far-right influencer known for her ability to sway Trump’s decisions, has been particularly vocal in her criticism of Means. Loomer, who has been credited with contributing to the dismissal of several individuals from Trump’s administration, has taken issue with Means’s focus on spiritual matters and her lack of a medical license. In a scathing post on X, Loomer questioned the judgment of those who chose Means, suggesting that her beliefs were akin to those of a "Witch Doctor" and emphasized her lack of a valid medical license.

Loomer’s influence in shaping Trump’s personnel decisions is well-documented. In the case of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Loomer reportedly played a significant role in derailing her nomination, primarily due to Nesheiwat’s acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, which Loomer falsely claims is responsible for "killing millions of people." Loomer has also boasted about her involvement in the removal of other high-ranking officials, including the Director of the NSA and the National Security Advisor, highlighting her considerable influence within Trump’s inner circle.

Nicole Shanahan, who served as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate before he dropped out to endorse Trump, has also voiced strong objections to Means’s nomination. Shanahan expressed her surprise and concern over the selection, claiming that she had been assured that Means would not be appointed to a position within the Department of Health and Human Services. Shanahan went on to accuse Kennedy of potentially misleading her, suggesting that he is being influenced by an external force. Shanahan leveled a startling accusation, referring to Means and her sibling as "Manchurian assets," implying that they are being controlled or manipulated to undermine American interests, adding a layer of intrigue and suspicion to the situation.

Trump announced Means’s nomination on Truth Social, praising her "academic achievements" and "life’s work." He emphasized her "MAHA" credentials, suggesting that she aligns with his vision for healthcare. Trump also expressed his confidence in her ability to work effectively with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who he envisions as his Secretary of Health and Human Services. Trump painted a picture of Means as a highly qualified candidate with the potential to become one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States history.

However, despite his initial enthusiasm, Trump appeared to distance himself from Means when questioned about her lack of a medical license. He simply stated that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "liked her," suggesting that the nomination was primarily Kennedy’s doing. This distancing suggests that Trump may be sensing the potential backlash and attempting to deflect responsibility for the controversial choice.

Means’s past statements and associations have also come under scrutiny. Her appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, where she downplayed the importance of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and used sarcastic language to dismiss those who believe in vaccines, has raised concerns about her commitment to scientific rigor. Furthermore, her company, Levels, was co-founded by Sam Corcos, who is currently working with Elon Musk to dismantle the federal government.

In the midst of the controversy, some Trump supporters are attempting to deflect blame by suggesting that Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, was responsible for choosing Means. This rationalization is a common tactic among Trump supporters, who often attribute his unpopular decisions to the influence of those around him. For example, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones recently claimed that Trump was unaware of the negative implications of Real ID and blamed his advisors for allowing the deadline to move forward.

The situation has created a bizarre dynamic where figures like Laura Loomer, known for her extremist views and controversial behavior, wield significant influence over Trump’s personnel decisions. The fact that someone with her history can effectively determine who might become the Surgeon General is a testament to the unconventional and often unpredictable nature of Trump’s administration.