Trump Nominates Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General Role
Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means for the position of Surgeon General, a move that positions her as a prominent advocate for the administration’s health agenda. Means, a Stanford University graduate and best-selling author, was announced by Trump after his initial pick, Janette Nesheiwat, stepped down from consideration. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Means as possessing “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials,” referring to the Make America Healthy Again initiative.
Means, 37, is set to face a Senate confirmation hearing that was postponed due to her recent labor. Her nomination reflects a growing alignment with the health perspectives of Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic who has made significant changes within the department. Following her nomination, Means expressed her support for Kennedy’s vision, emphasizing her commitment to the health of her family and the broader community.
Background and Professional Journey
Raised in Washington, D.C., Means earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Biology with honors in June 2009 and her medical doctorate in June 2014. As a trained surgeon who specialized in head and neck surgery, she operated on numerous patients daily. However, a pivotal moment during her residency prompted a dramatic shift in her career. Observing a patient undergoing her third sinus surgery, Means became aware of a troubling trend: many patients were not only suffering from chronic ailments but the healthcare system itself appeared to be failing them.
“I realized that the system is rigged against the American patient to create diseases and then profit off of them,” Means stated in an interview with Tucker Carlson last August. Disillusioned with traditional medical practices, she decided to step away from surgery at the age of 30 to explore the underlying causes of chronic health issues, particularly focusing on metabolic health.
In collaboration with her brother, Calley Means, she co-authored the book Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health, which became a bestseller and highlights simple lifestyle changes to promote better health. Her commitment to improving metabolic health is also reflected in her co-founding of Levels, a company that provides users with insights into their metabolic health for a subscription fee.
Controversial Views and Advocacy
Throughout her career, Means has echoed some of the controversial positions held by Kennedy, particularly regarding vaccines. She has called for more research into the cumulative effects of vaccines on children, raising concerns about the current vaccination schedule. In her latest newsletter, she noted, “There is growing evidence that the total burden of the current extreme and growing vaccine schedule is causing health declines in vulnerable children.”
Means has also questioned the necessity of administering the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborns, arguing that the disease is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and intravenous drug use, which does not apply to infants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccine is critical for preventing chronic infections that can occur if infants contract the virus at birth.
Her advocacy extends to issues such as the regulation of raw milk, where she has expressed a desire for individuals to have the freedom to choose their food sources based on personal beliefs rather than government regulations. “When it comes to a question like raw milk, I want to be free to form a relationship with a local farmer,” Means stated during an appearance on Bill Maher’s show in November.
Means argues for a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the need to view the body as an interconnected system rather than isolated parts. She has described America’s health crisis as a reflection of broader environmental and spiritual issues, advocating for a return to more natural and integrated living.
While her views have garnered significant attention and controversy, Means remains focused on her mission to promote health and well-being. As she prepares for her upcoming confirmation hearing, her supporters and critics alike will be watching closely to see how her nomination unfolds and what it may mean for public health policy in the United States.
