President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means, a physician and wellness influencer closely associated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for the position of surgeon general. Trump praised Means for her “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials” and highlighted her focus on eradicating chronic disease and improving Americans’ health. This nomination comes after the withdrawal of Janette Nesheiwat, Trump’s initial pick for the role. Means, along with her brother Calley Means, played key roles in Kennedy’s 2024 presidential bid, earning praise from prominent figures like Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan.

Despite her lack of government experience, Means has garnered attention for her holistic approach to health, emphasizing natural foods and lifestyle changes to combat obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. While she avoids Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines, Means advocates for more scrutiny on vaccine safety and easier pathways for patients to sue drugmakers in case of vaccine injuries. If confirmed as surgeon general, Means aims to advance Kennedy’s ambitious agenda of improving food quality, addressing conflicts of interest in federal agencies, and promoting healthier nutrition programs.

In contrast, Nesheiwat, the initial nominee, faced scrutiny over discrepancies in her medical education background and doubts about her confirmation prospects. Trump’s decision to withdraw her nomination reflects a trend of health-related picks facing challenges in Senate confirmation, as seen with the withdrawal of another nominee, Dave Weldon, for the CDC director position earlier. The surgeon general, as the nation’s top health official, plays a crucial role in overseeing public health initiatives and issuing advisories on health threats. Trump’s nomination of Dr. Casey Means underscores a shift towards prioritizing holistic health approaches and promoting wellness initiatives at a national level.