On Wednesday, it was announced that Casey Means would be nominated following the withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, whose credentials faced scrutiny recently. Former President Trump highlighted Means’ credentials and her collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to address chronic disease and improve national health. However, Trump admitted not personally knowing Means, relying instead on Kennedy’s recommendation.
Neither Means, the White House, nor Kennedy have commented on the criticisms surrounding the nomination. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) directed queries to a statement by Kennedy, who attributed the criticism to pharmaceutical companies and affiliated media.
In an interview, Kennedy denied allegations of external influence, describing the agency’s leadership as unconventional. The surgeon general’s role is defined by HHS as the “nation’s doctor,” responsible for disseminating scientific health information.
Concerns have been raised regarding Means’ qualifications for the role, due to her lack of an active medical license since 2019 and incomplete surgical training. Means advocates for functional medicine, which many consider lacking scientific validation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she claimed that optimal metabolic health could prevent many deaths and emphasized the importance of dietary changes in an op-ed.
Means also opposes hormonal birth control and has previously expressed controversial views on vaccines.
