Trump Affirms Support for Dr. Casey Means’ Nomination

Following President Donald Trump’s comments regarding the potential withdrawal of Dr. Casey Means’ nomination for surgeon general, press secretary Karoline Leavitt stepped in to clarify that the president continues to support her.

Leavitt shared with The Daily Signal late on Monday that “the president stands by her and the Senate should move quickly to confirm Dr. Means as our next surgeon general without any further delay.”

On Sunday evening, Trump remarked that pulling Means’ nomination might be “possible.”

“Well, we’re considering various options,” Trump said when asked about the nomination process. “I’m not sure how she’s faring. My attention is more on Iran right now. But, you know, withdrawing the nomination could happen.”

He also noted, “We certainly have a lot of qualified candidates for that position.”

On Monday, the White House emphasized Means’ accomplishments in healthcare. Leavitt stated, “Dr. Casey Means has dedicated her career as an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and researcher to shedding light on America’s chronic disease epidemic and the shortcomings of our healthcare system.”

She added, “With a background from Stanford University and Stanford School of Medicine, no one is better equipped to advance President Trump’s goal of making America healthy again.”

Means reportedly left her surgical residency to explore a career in holistic medicine. Her medical license in Oregon is currently labeled as “inactive,” though Means indicated this was a voluntary decision.

She co-authored a book titled “Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health” with her brother Calley Means, who advises Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

However, three Republican members of the Senate health committee have not committed to supporting her nomination: Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the committee’s chair; Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska; and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

At her confirmation hearing on February 25, Cassidy questioned Means about her previous vaccine skepticism and encouraged her to back comprehensive childhood immunization initiatives.

Means replied, “I believe vaccines are crucial to any public health strategy concerning infectious diseases. Anti-vaccine rhetoric has never been part of my message.”

During her testimony, she expressed her commitment to tackling the root causes of chronic diseases, which she identified as poor diet, overmedication, inactivity, exposure to industrial chemicals, chronic stress, and loneliness.