Trump Nominates Influencer and Health Entrepreneur Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Dr. Casey Means—a physician, author, and health entrepreneur with a strong online following—as the next U.S. Surgeon General, replacing his previous nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat.
Dr. Means, who supports Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, has been outspoken in her criticism of pharmaceutical and food corporations, blaming them for rising rates of chronic illness. The MAHA agenda argues that corporate interests have led to widespread preventable disease in the American population.
Often referred to as the “nation’s doctor,” the U.S. Surgeon General serves as the federal government’s top spokesperson on public health issues.
Trump praised Dr. Means on social media, calling her a “perfect fit” for the MAHA vision and stating that she will “reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic.” He noted that Dr. Nesheiwat will instead serve in another, unspecified role within the Department of Health and Human Services.
At 37, Dr. Means holds a medical degree from Stanford University, though she did not complete her medical residency. She is the co-founder of Levels, a company that promotes metabolic health through glucose monitoring technology. Her professional background includes research roles at the National Institutes of Health and various universities.
In 2024, she co-authored Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health with her brother Calley Means. The book gained traction among conservative media figures such as Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson. On Carlson’s show, Dr. Means criticized what she called a “toxic food system” and a medical establishment that profits from keeping patients dependent on medication, rather than pursuing true wellness.
Following Secretary Kennedy’s appointment, Dr. Means expressed strong support, stating that his vision aligns with her personal and professional goals.
Dr. Means replaces Dr. Nesheiwat, a physician and former Fox News contributor, whose nomination had faced scrutiny. A planned confirmation hearing was abruptly canceled amid questions about her academic credentials. Reports surfaced that she had listed the University of Arkansas School of Medicine as her alma mater, but records revealed she earned her degree from the American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten, though she did complete a residency at Arkansas.
Dr. Nesheiwat also came under fire from far-right activist Laura Loomer, who criticized her support for COVID-19 vaccines and questioned her suitability for the surgeon general post.
During Trump’s first term, the role of Surgeon General was held by Dr. Jerome Adams, an anesthesiologist who had served as Indiana’s state health commissioner........Read More