Trump Nominates MAHA Influencer Casey Means as New Surgeon General

In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump has announced a new nominee for the position of U.S. Surgeon General. Dr. Casey Means, a health and wellness influencer associated with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, has been tapped for the role after the withdrawal of the previous nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat.

Nomination Announcement and Background

President Trump revealed his choice via a social media post on Wednesday, praising Dr. Means' "impeccable 'MAHA' credentials." The nomination comes as part of a broader shift in the administration's health leadership, following the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Dr. Means, who received her medical degree from Stanford University, left her surgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University to establish a holistic health practice. She has since gained prominence as an author, blogger, and co-founder of Levels, a tech company focused on metabolic health monitoring.

Controversy Surrounding Previous Nominee

The nomination of Dr. Means follows the withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat's candidacy, which faced scrutiny from multiple angles. Questions arose regarding Dr. Nesheiwat's professional credentials, particularly concerning her medical education. A CBS News report revealed discrepancies in her claims about her medical degree, which she obtained from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine rather than the University of Arkansas School of Medicine as previously stated.

Additionally, Dr. Nesheiwat faced criticism from within President Trump's support base due to her initial support for COVID-19 vaccination and other pandemic mitigation efforts. This backlash, led by right-wing voices such as Laura Loomer, contributed to the rescinding of her nomination.

Implications for Public Health Policy

Dr. Means' nomination signals a potential shift in the administration's approach to public health. Known for her criticism of the pharmaceutical industry's influence on healthcare and her advocacy for nutrition and lifestyle interventions, Dr. Means represents a departure from traditional medical establishment views.

The president's statement emphasized collaboration between Dr. Means and Secretary Kennedy to "reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic" and improve the health of all Americans. This alignment suggests a focus on alternative approaches to public health that may diverge from conventional medical practices.

As the nomination process moves forward, the medical community and public health experts will be closely watching to see how Dr. Means' unconventional background and views may shape national health policy in the coming years.