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2d ago

Trump Names Wellness Influencer Casey Means as Surgeon General Nominee

The nomination of Casey Means, a key figure in the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, marks a significant shift in U.S. public health leadership.

FILE - Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, left, and journalist Megan Kelly, attend a confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Secretary of Health and Human Services post, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025.
President Donald Trump is tapping Casey Means, a wellness influencer with close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as his nominee for surgeon general after withdrawing his initial pick for the influential health post.
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Overview

  • President Trump has withdrawn Dr. Janette Nesheiwat's nomination for surgeon general, replacing her with Casey Means, a wellness advocate and former surgical resident with no prior government experience.
  • Casey Means, co-founder of the health tech company Levels, is closely aligned with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the administration’s chronic disease-focused 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda.
  • The White House cited Means' academic background and advocacy for holistic health as reasons for her nomination, while Nesheiwat faced criticism over her medical credentials and support for COVID-19 vaccines.
  • As surgeon general, Means would oversee the 6,000-member U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and spearhead public health messaging focused on chronic disease prevention.
  • This is the second high-profile health nomination withdrawn by the Trump administration in recent months, reflecting ongoing ideological shifts and scrutiny within public health leadership.