Trump selects wellness influencer, affiliated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for surgeon general role
New and Improved Take:
Donald Trump's Latest Pick for Surgeon General: A Wellness Guru with MAHA Roots
President Trump has chosen Dr. Casey Means, a well-known wellness influencer linked to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as his nominee for Surgeon General, replacing his initial pick who was pulled from Senate consideration.
Trump announced his decision on a social media post, praising Means for her "outstanding" academic background and potential to revolutionize public health. He called her credentials "MAHA impeccable," referring to his "Make America Healthy Again" slogan.
Means stepped away from her surgical residency program, expressing disenchantment with traditional medicine. Instead, she co-founded Levels, a health technology company focusing on blood sugar and other health metric tracking, and promotes natural remedies for obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
Means' brother, Calley Means, was previously a lobbyist and is currently a White House adviser responsible for advocating for restrictions on SNAP benefits, fluoride-free water, and other "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) objectives. The duo were key figures in Kennedy's ill-fated 2024 presidential bid, and they earned acclaim from Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan for their work.
Dr. Means has no prior government experience, but her professional relationship with the Kennedy family and shared MAHA ideology may help her adapt to her new role. Critics, however, question her qualifications due to her focus on wellness, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes over conventional medicine.
Her philosophy attributes health problems to corrupt food companies promoting unhealthy diets and reliance on pharmaceuticals to manage chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. Experts agree that the modern American diet, full of processed foods, contributes to obesity and related issues. However, Means goes a step further, linking changes in diet and lifestyle to various conditions, such as infertility, Alzheimer's, depression, and erectile dysfunction.
Means has mostly avoided engaging in Kennedy's controversial views on vaccines. She recommends further investigation into their safety and simplifies the vaccine injury claims process for patients. Since the 1980s, federal law has protected vaccine manufacturers from liability for injuries to encourage drug development without fear of costly personal injury lawsuits.
If confirmed, Means would bolster Kennedy's MAHA agenda, which emphasizes removing dangerous additives and chemicals from U.S. foods, identifying conflicts of interest within federal agencies, and promoting healthier food options in school programs.
Janette Nesheiwat, Trump's initial pick for Surgeon General, faces criticism from far-right Trump ally Laura Loomer, who questioned her credentials, including her medical school degree and her vaccination views. The White House pulled Nesheiwat's nomination due to concerns about her ability to secure Senate approval, according to sources.
The surgeon general serves as the nation's doctor, oversees Public Health Service Corps members, and can issue advisories warning of public health risks. Critics and supporters alike await the potential confirmation of Dr. Means to see the evolution and execution of the Make America Healthy Again agenda.
- Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, is President Trump's nominee for Surgeon General, replacing previous pick withdrawn from Senate consideration.
- Means' academic background is "outstanding" according to Donald Trump, who praises her potential to revolutionize public health.
- Means has expressed disenchantment with traditional medicine, leaving her surgical residency program.
- Levels, a health technology company co-founded by Means, focuses on tracking health metrics like blood sugar.
- Means promotes natural remedies for obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
- Calley Means, Dr. Means' brother, was a lobbyist and is now a White House adviser, advocating for "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) objectives.
- The Kennedy family and Means share MAHA ideologies, which may aid Dr. Means' adaptation to her new role.
- Critics question Means' qualifications for conventional medicine due to her focus on wellness and lifestyle changes.
- Means attributes health problems to corrupt food companies promoting unhealthy diets and reliance on pharmaceuticals.
- Experts agree that the modern American diet contributes to obesity and related issues, but Means links changes in diet and lifestyle to various conditions.
- Means avoids engaging in Kennedy's controversial views on vaccines but advocates for further investigation into their safety.
- Federal law protects vaccine manufacturers from liability for injuries due to fear of costly personal injury lawsuits.
- If confirmed, Means would bolster Kennedy's MAHA agenda, advocating for food safety, reducing chemical use, and promoting healthier food options.
- Janette Nesheiwat, Trump's initial Surgeon General pick, faces criticism from Laura Loomer over her credentials and vaccination views.
- The surgeon general serves as the nation's doctor, oversees Public Health Service Corps members, and can issue advisories warning of public health risks.
- The "Make America Healthy Again" agenda emphasizes removing dangerous additives and chemicals from U.S. foods.
- Means and Kennedy worked together in Kennedy's unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid.
- Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan praised the siblings' work in the wellness field.
- Means' philosophy criticizes the pharmaceutical industry for managing chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
- Means links changes in diet and lifestyle to various medical conditions, such as infertility, Alzheimer's, depression, and erectile dysfunction.21.wo medical professionals could benefit from adopting Means' wellness-focused perspective on chronic diseases and medical conditions.
- Obesity and related health issues pose significant health risks to both men and women, highlighting the importance of Means' focus on wellness.
- Men's health, specifically focusing on prostate health and heart diseases, may see improvements under Means' administration.
- Women's health, including reproductive health, mental health issues, and breast cancer prevention, will also be crucial aspects for Means to address.
- Mental health, a growing concern in American society, will be an essential focus for Means as Surgeon General.
- Therapies and treatments for mental health conditions, such as counseling, psychotherapy, and medication, will play a large role in addressing rising mental health issues.
- Nutrition will play a significant role in improving chronic diseases and overall health, with emphasis on fresh, whole foods and balanced diets.
- Dietary supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and promote overall health and wellness.
- Eye health, hearing, and cardiovascular health are all crucial aspects of personal wellness that Means should prioritize.
- The importance of regular exercise and fitness regimens should not be overlooked in promoting overall health and well-being.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, pose unique health challenges and require specialized therapies and treatments.
- More research is needed to better understand neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease for effective therapeutic interventions.
- CBD products, known for their potential health benefits, warrant further investigation and implementation in various therapies and treatments.
- Sustainable living, a conscious approach to resource consumption and environmental stewardship, can contribute to both personal health and global health.
- Engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and camping, can help improve mental health and overall well-being, while reducing stress and promoting healthy relationships.
