Confirmation Hearing for Surgeon General Nominee
WASHINGTON – Dr. Casey Means, nominated by former President Trump for the Surgeon General position that has been vacant for over a year, faced significant scrutiny during a Senate committee session on Wednesday. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest, her research on psilocybin, and her stance on vaccines.
Means, who co-wrote a popular book deemed essential to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative with her husband, Curry, a senior adviser at the Department of Health and Human Services, emphasized to senators her intention to tackle the “root causes” of diseases.
“As Surgeon General, my vision for America’s future is to ensure more healthy, whole foods are accessible to everyone and to urge our health system to focus on why we get sick rather than just treating diseases reactively,” Means, 38, explained during the hearing.
She noted, “Our health system is strong. We’ve accomplished a lot, but it’s troubling that 90 percent of healthcare spending is directed toward chronic illnesses.” Her support for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-chronic disease campaign received applause from some Republicans, while others expressed concerns about her qualifications.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) raised issues regarding Means’ book “Good Energy,” where she advocates for psilocybin-assisted therapy. Collins quoted a statement from Means about a guiding inner voice leading her to try psychedelics, which raised red flags.
In response, Means clarified that as a public servant, her messages to the American public would be more structured than in her previous roles and added that the “science is still evolving” around psilocybin, distancing herself from advocating for its illegal use.
The voice referenced in her book belonged to her late mother, who encouraged her to explore mushrooms.
During the hearing, Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) questioned Means about allegations concerning wellness product promotions on social media without proper disclosures, highlighting potential ethical violations.
Means refuted the claims, stating, “That’s a misrepresentation. I’ve been collaborating with the Federal Ethics Office to ensure full compliance.” Her nomination marks a unique choice for Surgeon General, a role that involves serving as the federal government’s chief public health spokesperson.
With a background from Stanford, Means has consistently criticized traditional medical practices, promoting a focus on functional medicine aimed at addressing the underlying causes of health issues. She considers herself an expert on metabolic health, suggesting that optimizing cellular metabolism is key in fighting chronic disease rates.
Another concern raised during the hearing was her supposedly invalid medical license, which supposedly prevents her from prescribing medication. In reply to Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), she highlighted that many doctors in public health service may face similar issues if they are not seeing patients.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), the chairman of the HELP committee, probed Means on her vaccine stance, voicing long-standing worries about discussions regarding vaccines and child health. “I want to reassure you that I am not here to complicate matters or push any vaccine agendas,” Means responded.
Despite the presence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a looming influence during the discussion, Means sidestepped criticisms concerning him, even as Democratic senators pressed the issue. Originally due for a confirmation hearing last October, Means’ case was delayed due to the birth of her son. Now, she must pass through the HELP Committee and the full Senate to secure her position as Surgeon General.
