Trump Nominates Casey Means, RFK Jr.'s Ally with Inactive MD License, as Surgeon General

President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-educated wellness influencer known for her holistic approach to health, as the new U.S. Surgeon General, replacing his initial pick, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat. Means, who has an inactive MD license after quitting her surgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University, has close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Her nomination has sparked debate due to her focus on metabolic health and her role as a leader in the 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement. Dr. Casey Means is a prominent figure in the MAHA movement, having served as an advisor to Kennedy during his presidential campaign. Her nomination reflects the influence of Kennedy within the Trump administration, particularly in health policy. The decision to nominate Means has led to criticism from various quarters, including Kennedy's former running mate Nicole Shanahan, who expressed concerns over Means' qualifications and suggested that Kennedy might be under external influence. Shanahan's comments have added to the controversy surrounding the nomination. Means' background includes dropping out of her surgical residency to pursue a career in wellness and functional medicine. Her approach to health, which emphasizes lifestyle changes and natural foods, has garnered both support and skepticism within the medical community.