New to Pano? Start here

May 7th, 2025, 6:29 PM ET·Health

Trump Nominates Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General Amid Controversy

Dr. Casey Means, nominated by Trump, raises eyebrows due to her stance on vaccines and close ties to RFK Jr.


1 of 29
Last Update: 6:30 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

On May 7, President Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General, replacing Dr. Janette Nesheiwat amid concerns over her vaccine stance. Means, who has significant online influence and co-authored a health book, has faced backlash for her lack of public health experience and controversial views on vaccines and treatments. Notably, she shares health priorities with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., such as promoting healthy food over factory farming. Her nomination has sparked division within the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, with some supporters voicing concerns about her qualifications and influence.

Sources (29)

Compare coverage of this story from news outlets across the political spectrum.
  • TIME Magazine
  • Mother Jones
  • MSNBC
  • The Guardian
  • Al Jazeera
  • PBS NewsHour
  • CNN
  • Boston Globe
  • MSNBC
  • Dr. Casey Means, Trump's recent nominee for Surgeon General, aligns with several Democratic health priorities, particularly regarding nutrition and preventive health strategies.
  • Her views on overprescribed medications and skepticism about mainstream medical practices resonate with a broader movement advocating for comprehensive health reform.
  • The controversy surrounding her nomination highlights ongoing tensions between alternative and traditional medical practices, reflecting a growing divide within conversations about public health.
Inside the Health Views of Casey Means, Trump’s Surgeon General Nominee
TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·13d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Means’ perspective about the importance of health and exercise fits into the field of functional medicine, which focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of diseases rather than just treating symptoms."

Trump’s New Surgeon General Pick Wants to “Raise the Vibration of Humanity”
Mother JonesMother Jones·13d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…Means’ track record of statements about medicine and health that aren’t backed by science are troubling to Jonathan Jarry, a science communicator at McGill University’s Office for Science and Society."

Dr. Casey Means, Trump’s new surgeon general nominee, draws unflattering scrutiny
MSNBCMSNBC·14d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…While U.S. surgeons general tend to have extensive experience in medicine and public health, Means was described by the AP as a “wellness influencer” who dropped out of her surgical residency program and has no experience in public health administration."

Trump administration taps wellness influencer for surgeon general
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·14d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Critics say that appeals from figures like Trump and his allies tap into legitimate sources of concern while leaving their root causes largely unaddressed and simultaneously rolling back environmental and health protections."

FAQ

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.

No FAQs available for this story.

History

A summary of how this story has evolved over the last 24 hours.

  • 13d
  • 14d
  • 14d
Trump Nominates Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General Amid Controversy - Pano News