Trump Appoints Casey Means as Surgeon General
Donald Trump has appointed Casey Means, a wellness influencer and former doctor, as the new nominee for the US Surgeon General. This decision follows the withdrawal of Dr. Janet Neshwatt, who faced criticism regarding her medical credentials before her Senate confirmation hearing.
Means, a 37-year-old medical entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, has gained visibility within a right-leaning wellness community for her skepticism about mainstream medicine and advocacy for healthier food choices. In a social media announcement, Trump highlighted her qualifications, stating she embodies the “Maha” movement.
This nomination indicates the influence of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. within the administration. Shortly after Means was announced, Kennedy remarked he was unfamiliar with her but had received her name as a recommendation.
The “Make America Health Again” (Maha) movement, which combines elements of vaccine skepticism and critiques of the healthcare system, broadly aligns with Means’ views. Notably, her brother, Carrie, also part of the administration, serves as a senior advisor to Kennedy.
However, Means’ nomination faces challenges, including her inactive medical license and backlash from some of the same right-wing factions that previously opposed Trump’s first candidate. Professor Gabby Headrick, from George Washington University’s Milken School of Public Health, expressed caution regarding Means’ nomination, emphasizing that typically those appointed to this role have active licenses and clinical experience.
Opposition also arises from far-right critics. Activist Laura Rumer, previously critical of Trump’s first nominee, has labeled Means as “inappropriate” for the position, organizing events that criticize her candidacy.
Despite her background, Means describes herself as a doctor, bestselling author, and health entrepreneur deeply interested in promoting wellness and awareness about environmental health concerns. She co-authored a book on the importance of connection and wellness.
Her statements on microplastics and agricultural chemicals reflect concerns that resonate with audiences beyond traditional conservative circles. Yet, they often elicit mixed reactions regarding the past perception of similar issues as left-leaning.
Means noted that root causes of chronic illness often stem from preventable factors, hinting at broader public health issues. Her approach overlaps with several controversial topics, such as the criticisms of vaccines and the popular weight loss drug, Ozempic.
While some nutrition experts view her advocacy positively, they argue it might overlook underlying social issues affecting accessibility to healthy food options. Headrick pointed out that millions lack access to full-service grocery stores, an essential factor in America’s health crisis.
Means graduated from Stanford in 2014 and briefly pursued a residency but left before completing the program, citing disillusionment with traditional medicine. However, peers have attributed her departure to stress. Her medical license was revoked in 2024 by the Oregon Medical Board.
Since 2019, she has co-founded a company focused on health tracking technologies, integrating continuous glucose monitors and apps used beyond traditional diabetes management.
Despite the challenges ahead, experts suggest that her lack of an active medical license could be overlooked by the administration, even though this typically disqualifies candidates for such positions.
Overall, Means’ nomination reflects the evolving landscape of health politics in the US, intertwining traditional medical qualifications with contemporary wellness trends and ideologies.
