Trump Picks Casey Means for Surgeon General
President Donald Trump has made headlines once again by selecting Dr. Casey Means, a best-selling author and wellness influencer, as his new nominee for U.S. Surgeon General. This decision comes after the sudden withdrawal of his first nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News contributor, whose nomination was derailed following reports questioning how she had presented her medical credentials. Independent journalist Tony Clark was among the first to break the story, sparking widespread media attention.
Trump announced the change on his social media platform, Truth Social, praising Means as a key figure in his health agenda. He noted that she will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, to “reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic” and ensure better health outcomes for all Americans.
Casey Means: A Wellness Advocate Disrupting Traditional Medicine
Dr. Casey Means is no stranger to the spotlight. A Stanford Medical School graduate, she started her medical career with a surgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University. However, disillusionment set in when she observed how mainstream medicine often failed to address the root causes of chronic diseases — particularly issues related to diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Before completing her residency, Means pivoted away from surgery and entered the world of functional medicine.
Determined to bring change, Means co-founded Levels, a company that provides continuous glucose monitors and a companion app designed to help people track and improve their metabolic health. On her personal website, she also promotes a wide range of supplements, wellness products, and lifestyle tools. Her message consistently challenges the status quo in the American healthcare system, especially criticizing the pharmaceutical and processed food industries.
Means’ growing influence has positioned her as both a popular wellness advocate and a somewhat controversial figure. She has raised concerns about certain vaccines and the immunization schedule, and she has been vocal about what she refers to as “corruption” within the FDA.
Trump’s Health Agenda and the Rise of Anti-Establishment Figures
Trump’s decision to nominate Means is seen by many as a continuation of his broader strategy to bring in voices critical of the traditional healthcare establishment. Both Means and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., his Secretary of Health and Human Services, share skepticism toward major pharmaceutical companies and government regulatory bodies. They often appear on podcasts, roundtables, and health conferences, discussing the need for a major overhaul of the American healthcare system.
Last year, Dr. Means was a featured speaker at a high-profile roundtable on health and nutrition hosted by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson. The event also included Kennedy, Dr. Marty Makary, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and other prominent figures aligned with Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda. Together, they emphasized the importance of diet, exercise, and wellness interventions over pharmaceutical solutions — a message that resonates with many Americans frustrated by rising healthcare costs and chronic illness rates.
What Casey Means Brings to the Surgeon General Role
If confirmed, Casey Means would bring a unique perspective to the office of Surgeon General. Unlike many of her predecessors, Means comes not only from a medical background but also from the wellness and entrepreneurial world. Her experience running a health tech company and her advocacy for preventive medicine align with Trump’s promises to shake up the system.
Means’ focus on metabolic health, functional medicine, and personalized care could mark a shift in public health messaging, with greater emphasis on lifestyle interventions rather than solely pharmaceutical solutions. While her critics point to her past statements on vaccines and regulatory agencies as concerning, her supporters view her as a much-needed disruptor who will challenge entrenched interests.
As Surgeon General, Means is expected to continue pushing for public health initiatives centered on nutrition, physical activity, and reducing chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. With rising rates of preventable conditions across the country, her message of proactive health measures may resonate with a population eager for change.
Key Points
- Casey Means replaces Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as Trump’s nominee for U.S. Surgeon General after Nesheiwat’s withdrawal.
- Means is a Stanford-trained doctor, wellness advocate, and co-founder of Levels, a health tech company focused on metabolic health.
- She has criticized the pharmaceutical industry and FDA and called for a shift toward lifestyle-focused healthcare.
- Means will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to implement Trump’s health agenda aimed at reversing the chronic disease epidemic.
- Her nomination signals a broader anti-establishment approach in Trump’s healthcare leadership.