Casey Means

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46h

President Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and alternative medicine advocate, as Surgeon General, replacing his former nominee. Her lack of an active medical license and controversial health views have sparked significant backlash and raised concerns about her qualifications.

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In May 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means as the new U.S. Surgeon General, a decision that sparked significant controversy and mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Dr. Means, known for her holistic approach to health and wellness, is an ally of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement. This nomination follows the withdrawal of a previous nominee, Janette Nesheiwat, amidst backlash from various factions, including far-right activist Laura Loomer, who claimed that Nesheiwat was part of a conspiracy against Trump.

Dr. Means has garnered attention for her advocacy of alternative health practices and her criticism of conventional medicine, particularly regarding vaccines. Critics argue that her views on health could undermine public health initiatives, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, Trump expressed strong support for Means, emphasizing her innovative approach to health care. The nomination has led to polarized opinions; some see her as a refreshing change in the medical establishment, while others fear her influence could exacerbate public health challenges.

Additionally, Means' association with Kennedy has raised eyebrows, as he is known for promoting conspiracy theories related to vaccines and health. Prominent figures, including Kennedy himself, defended her nomination, framing the backlash as politically motivated and a reflection of a broader struggle over health policy in America. The debate surrounding Means highlights the ongoing tensions in U.S. health politics, particularly regarding the balance between traditional medical practices and alternative health ideologies.

In summary, Dr. Casey Means' nomination as Surgeon General represents a significant shift in health policy under the Trump administration, igniting a heated discourse about the future of public health and the role of alternative medicine in America.

Q&A (Auto-generated by AI)

What are Dr. Casey Means' qualifications?

Dr. Casey Means is a Stanford-educated physician who trained in medicine but later dropped out of a surgical residency program. She has transitioned into a wellness influencer role, advocating for holistic health practices. Despite her medical training, her current status as a wellness influencer and her lack of an active medical license have raised questions about her qualifications for the Surgeon General position.

How has public reaction shaped her nomination?

Public reaction to Dr. Casey Means' nomination has been mixed, with significant backlash from various groups. Critics have raised concerns about her lack of a current medical license and her controversial views on health issues, including vaccines. Supporters, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have defended her nomination, emphasizing her alignment with the Making America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement and her advocacy for alternative health approaches.

What is the MAHA movement's significance?

The Making America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement emphasizes alternative health practices and a critical stance toward conventional medicine. It is championed by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who promotes holistic health and wellness. The movement's significance lies in its challenge to mainstream medical practices and its appeal to those disillusioned with traditional healthcare, reflecting broader trends in health activism.

What role does the Surgeon General play?

The U.S. Surgeon General serves as the nation's doctor, responsible for public health advocacy and guidance. This role includes issuing health advisories, reports, and recommendations on various health issues, ranging from disease prevention to health education. The Surgeon General also plays a key role in responding to public health crises and shaping national health policy.

How do her views align with RFK Jr.'s?

Dr. Casey Means' views align closely with those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly regarding skepticism toward conventional medicine and vaccine policies. Both advocate for alternative health practices and criticize corporate influence in healthcare. This alignment has drawn attention to her nomination, as it reflects a broader ideological stance that challenges established medical norms.

What controversies surround her medical views?

Dr. Casey Means has faced controversy for her alternative health views, including skepticism about vaccines and conventional medical practices. Critics label her a conspiracy theorist due to her association with the MAHA movement and her promotion of unverified health claims. This has sparked debate over her suitability for the Surgeon General role, especially given the importance of evidence-based medicine in public health.

What led to Trump's nominee change?

President Trump changed his Surgeon General nominee from Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to Dr. Casey Means just before a Senate confirmation hearing. This decision was influenced by a desire for a nominee who aligns more closely with the MAHA movement and Trump's health policies. The switch has been interpreted as a response to political pressures and the need to energize his base.

How do wellness influencers impact health policy?

Wellness influencers, like Dr. Casey Means, impact health policy by shaping public perceptions of health and wellness. Their advocacy for alternative treatments can challenge conventional medical practices and influence policy discussions. As social media platforms amplify their reach, these influencers can sway public opinion, leading to increased scrutiny of traditional healthcare systems.

What is the history of Surgeon General nominees?

The history of Surgeon General nominees reflects changing public health priorities and political climates. Past nominees have included prominent physicians who advocated for public health initiatives. The role has evolved to address emerging health crises, such as the opioid epidemic and COVID-19, highlighting the importance of having a Surgeon General who can effectively communicate health information to the public.

How does this nomination reflect Trump's agenda?

Dr. Casey Means' nomination reflects Trump's agenda by emphasizing alternative health approaches and aligning with the MAHA movement. This choice signals a shift towards prioritizing wellness influencers over traditional medical qualifications. It underscores Trump's broader strategy of appealing to his base by challenging established medical norms and promoting a health narrative that resonates with his supporters.

Current Stats

Data

Virality Score 5.0

Change in Rank -2

Thread Age 46 hours

Number of Articles 89

Political Leaning

Left 31.3%

Center 41.3%

Right 27.5%

Regional Coverage

US 82.0%

Non-US 18.0%

Recent Coverage

Chris Hayes Says Health News in the Trump Era ‘Feels Like a Dark Joke’ After New Surgeon General Pick | Video

The Wrap - 14 hours ago - The MSNBC host talks to Kathleen Sebelius about "wellness" influencer Casey Means

Laura Loomer Targets Trump’s Pick for Surgeon General as Kennedy Pushes Back

The New York Times - 18 hours ago - The selection of Dr. Casey Means drew ridicule from a Trump ally, Laura Loomer. But Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the surgeon general nominee.

'She doesn't have a license': Trump official gets unlikely grilling on Fox News

Raw Story - 18 hours ago - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. found himself grilled intensely on Fox News by Bret Baier on the lack of qualifications for President Donald Trump's new surgeon general nominee, Dr. Casey Means, an alternative wellness blogger who has served as Kennedy's longtime adviser an...

RFK Jumps To Defense Of New Trump Nominee That Surprisingly Angered MAHA Supporters

Daily Caller - 18 hours ago - RFK Jr. leapt to the defense of President Donald Trump's new Surgeon General pick Dr. Casey Means on Thursday after she faced mounting scrutiny.

Kennedy defends Casey Means' nomination for surgeon general amid backlash

Just the News - 19 hours ago - Means has largely been criticized over her reputation as a "wellness influencer" and lack of experience in public health administration.

Inside the Health Views of Casey Means, Trump’s Surgeon General Nominee

Time - 20 hours ago - Means holds many health beliefs that mirror those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Trump's nomination of Casey Means for surgeon general prompts mixed reactions, heated debate

TheBlaze - 22 hours ago - Trump's second surgeon general nominee has prompted a re-examination of the MAHA movement.

Donald Trump 'Doesn't Know' New U.S. Surgeon General Nominee

OK! Magazine - 22 hours ago - Donald Trump is facing backlash for selecting Dr. Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General, as her medical license is inactive.

Casey Means and the MAHA Takeover

The Atlantic - 22 hours ago - Casey Means, Trump’s surgeon-general nominee, has a lot in common with RFK Jr.

Who Is the Holistic Influencer Trump Tapped to Be Surgeon General?

Rolling Stone - 23 hours ago - Donald Trump has nominated Casey Means, an influencer and functional health advocate, to serve as U.S. surgeon general

Dr. Casey Means's Views on Vaccines Have People Divided

Green Matters - 24 hours ago - Will Casey Means be confirmed as the new surgeon general, and are her views on vaccines aligned with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s?

Who Is Dr. Casey Means, Trump’s Surgeon General Pick?

The Cut - 24 hours ago - On Wednesday, Trump announced a new pick for surgeon general: Casey Means, a wellness influencer who dropped out of her surgical residency and does not appear to currently have an active medical license.

Tempers flare as Trump taps doctor-turned-influencer for surgeon general

Global News - 24 hours ago - Casey Means received a medical degree from Stanford University but later dropped out medical of a residency program.

RFK Jr.’s Former Running Mate Shanahan Says He ‘Lied’ To Her Or Is Being ‘Controlled’

Forbes - 25 hours ago - Shanahan doubled down on Thursday, telling Glenn Beck about Casey Means' appointment, "They don't call it the swamp for no reason."

Who is Dr. Casey Means?

Chicago Tribune - 25 hours ago - President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would nominate Casey Means, a Stanford-educated doctor turned critic of corporate influence on medicine and health, as surgeon general.

Is Casey Means a Doctor? Inside Surgeon General Nominee's Background

Hollywood Life - 26 hours ago - Donald Trump's surgeon general nominee has been called a doctor by many. Learn about her medical and education background here.

RFK Jr. either ‘clearly lied to me’ about surgeon general nominee or someone ‘is controlling’ him, ex-running mate claims

The Independent - 27 hours ago - ‘I was promised that if I supported RFK Jr. in his Senate confirmation that neither of these siblings would be working under HHS or in an appointment (and that people much more qualified would be),’ Nicole Shanahan reacted to Casey Means’ nomination for surgeon general