Who is Casey Means? Donald Trump's new pick for US surgeon general

President Donald Trump has nominated Dr Casey Means, a former surgeon-turned-wellness entrepreneur, to be the next US Surgeon General, replacing his initial pick, Dr Janette Nesheiwat. In a statement on social media, Trump praised Means as having “impeccable MAHA credentials,” referring to the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. He called her “absolutely outstanding,” claiming she could become one of the finest Surgeon Generals in US history.

Dr Means, who has no previous government experience, is closely aligned with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., having advised his short-lived 2024 presidential campaign alongside her brother Calley Means. Both siblings have become influential figures in Trump’s broader health agenda, regularly appearing on platforms alongside conservative voices like Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan. Calley Means is now a White House adviser.

Trump’s previous nominee, Dr Nesheiwat, was withdrawn from Senate consideration following reports about her credentials and an ongoing malpractice case. She had also faced public criticism from Trump allies, including activist Laura Loomer. With doubts around her confirmation, the White House quietly pulled her nomination.

Dr Means is known for her criticism of the traditional healthcare system and pharmaceutical industry. Her mission, as described on her website, is to reverse preventable diseases and empower individuals to take control of their own health.

• Trained at Stanford University (undergraduate and medical school) and held research roles at NIH, NYU, OHSU and Stanford.
• Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at Levels, a health tech firm focused on metabolic fitness.
• Author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Good Energy: The Surprising Connection between Metabolism and Limitless Health.
• Associate Editor of the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention.
• Promotes functional medicine and is affiliated with the Institute for Functional Medicine.
• Advocates for reduced consumption of processed foods and believes most chronic illnesses are caused by lifestyle and dietary choices.
• While she distances herself from anti-vaccine rhetoric, she supports revisiting vaccine safety regulations and increasing legal accountability for drugmakers.
• Describes herself as a regenerative gardener and outdoor enthusiast, with a personal mission to promote consciousness, health and planetary well-being.

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