President Trump’s selection for the U.S. surgeon general, Casey Means, has ignited internal conflict within the Make America Healthy (Maha) movement.
Means, who is a well-known health advocate and ally of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, faces criticism from some of Kennedy’s supporters for being too accepting of vaccines. Meanwhile, others in Trump’s circle have labeled her as a “complete crack pot.”
Trump’s decision to nominate Means came after he withdrew the appointment of former physician and Fox News host Janet Neschwatt. Like Kennedy, Means emphasizes dietary and nutritional wellness in her health advocacy.
“Bobby thinks very highly of her. I don’t know her personally, but I heard good things from Bobby,” Trump mentioned. “I met her yesterday and she’s a very nice person. A great scholar, I believe,” he added.
Neschwatt’s candidacy was pulled right before a Senate confirmation hearing, following media concerns regarding her qualifications and backlash from conservative figures over her support for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Similar to Kennedy, Means has questioned vaccines, advocated for food as medicine, and criticized the existing healthcare system. Still, her nomination hasn’t garnered widespread approval within the health community or among Kennedy’s cohorts.
Medical researcher Suzanne Humphries expressed skepticism, stating, “This person seems carefully crafted for the role. I talk a lot about health, but I feel her stance on vaccines is misguided.”
Mike Adams, another health influencer, voiced concerns in a social media post, questioning her commitment to health freedoms.
Means has become a significant figure in the Maha movement, working alongside Kennedy in the Department of Health and Human Services. They co-wrote a book linking metabolism to health and promoted their ideas via conservative media, including a notable episode of Tucker Carlson’s podcast.
The struggle over her nomination highlights broader tensions within the Maha campaign, as various factions interact with the Trump administration. The surgeon general serves as a public health representative, wielding influence, but possesses limited real authority.
Richard Carpiano, a public policy professor, remarked that the infighting reflects the complex dynamics of the movement and raises questions about its goals.
“It makes you wonder how cohesive this movement really is and what Kennedy truly seeks,” Carpiano noted.
MAGA influencer Laura Loomer criticized the president’s advisor for failing to seek another candidate for the role, labeling her as a “Total Crackpot” and “Marxist Tree Hugger” for various unconventional practices she promotes.
Kennedy’s former running mate, Nicole Shanahan, also expressed disapproval of Means’ nomination, suggesting that backing Kennedy could jeopardize the brothers’ roles in the department.
“There’s something off about them, almost as if they were raised with ulterior motives,” she commented, hinting at concerns over Kennedy’s control.
Kennedy strongly supported Means, stating that the attacks against her highlight the contentious nature of health discussions and the powerful interests at play.
Meanwhile, Loomer responded with claims about industry connections affecting Trump’s decision-making regarding Means.
Means, who left her residency at Oregon Health & Science University early due to anxiety, has built a significant online following focused on health tracking technologies, like glucose monitors.
Those who have worked with her describe her as genuinely interested in public health, especially among youth. Kim, an executive director at the Stanford Innovation Design Research Center, praised her for combining strict medical knowledge with an approachable teaching style.
However, others question her qualifications for such a notable public health position. Former U.S. surgeon general Jerome Adams emphasized that a surgeon general must be a licensed physician and highlighted the Senate’s role in confirming such appointments.
