In a surprising move,President Donald Trump has selected Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, as his nominee for surgeon general. This decision follows the withdrawal of his initial pick, Janette nesheiwat. Means’ nomination is notable due to her close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The “MAHA” Agenda

Trump announced the nomination via social media, emphasizing Means’ “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials,” a reference to the “Make america Healthy Again” slogan. He expressed confidence in her ability to tackle chronic disease and enhance the overall health of the nation.

Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding. Dr. Casey means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.

President Donald Trump

Nesheiwat’s withdrawal

Janette Nesheiwat, previously a Fox News medical contributor, was slated for a confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Her withdrawal marks the second health-related nominee by Trump to face such a fate.

Means’ Background and Connections

Casey Means and her brother, Calley Means, played meaningful roles in Kennedy’s 2024 presidential campaign, facilitating his endorsement of Trump. Calley Means, now a White House advisor, frequently advocates for restrictions on SNAP benefits and the removal of fluoride from drinking water, aligning with the MAHA agenda.

READ MORE: How Utah dentists are preparing patients for the first statewide fluoride ban

A Non-Conventional Candidate

Means lacks government experience and left her surgical residency, expressing disillusionment with conventional medicine.She founded Levels, a health tech company focused on tracking blood sugar and othre health metrics. Additionally, she earns income from sponsored dietary supplements and related products on social media.

means’ Health Beliefs

Means and her brother advocate for a comprehensive approach to health, attributing many health issues to unhealthy diets and the influence of food conglomerates. They argue that this reliance on processed foods leads to dependence on pharmaceuticals for managing chronic conditions.

Almost every chronic health symptom that Western medicine addresses is the result of our cells being beleaguered by how we’ve come to live.

Casey Means, in a 2024 book co-written with her brother

Processed Foods: A Complex Issue

While many experts agree that the American diet contributes to health problems, some caution against oversimplifying the issue of processed foods.

They are not all created equal. It is much more intricate than just pointing the finger at ultra-processed foods as the driver of chronic disease in the United states.

Gabby Headrick, a nutrition researcher at George Washington University’s school of public health

Vaccine Views

While Means has largely avoided Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines, she has called for more investigation into vaccine safety and advocated for easier pathways for patients to sue drugmakers for vaccine injuries. Current federal law shields vaccine manufacturers from liability to encourage vaccine progress.

the Surgeon General’s Role

If confirmed, Means would be responsible for promoting Kennedy’s MAHA agenda, which includes removing additives from foods, addressing conflicts of interest in federal agencies, and promoting healthier school lunches.

Nesheiwat’s Background and Controversy

Nesheiwat, the initial nominee, is a medical director for an urgent care company and a frequent commentator on Fox News. Her nomination faced criticism from Laura Loomer,who raised concerns about Nesheiwat’s views on COVID-19 vaccines and her medical education.

Nesheiwat’s Response

Despite the withdrawal, Nesheiwat expressed her continued support for Trump and her commitment to improving the health of Americans.

I am looking forward to continuing to support President Trump and working closely with Secretary Kennedy in a senior policy role to Make America Healthy Again! My focus continues to be on improving the health and well-being of all Americans,and that mission hasn’t changed.

Janette Nesheiwat

The Surgeon General’s Responsibilities

The surgeon general oversees 6,000 U.S. Public Health Service Corps members and issues advisories on public health threats.

Previous Withdrawals

In March,Dave Weldon’s nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was also withdrawn due to concerns about his views on vaccines.