Who is Casey Means? Trump's new surgeon general nominee sparks drama - USA Today

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 1:49 pm

Trump's Surgeon General Pick: Casey Means Sparks Controversy

President Donald Trump's recent nomination of Dr. Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General has ignited a firestorm of debate, particularly among his supporters. The announcement, made on May 7th, quickly replaced his initial choice, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, and has raised eyebrows due to Means' close ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and her advocacy for his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) platform.

Dr. Means, a 37-year-old Stanford-educated physician, is the co-founder of Levels, a glucose monitoring tech company, and the sister of Calley Means, a prominent RFK Jr. advisor. Together, they co-authored the 2024 book "Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health" and have been vocal proponents of Kennedy's focus on addressing chronic diseases. This connection, along with her large online following, has made her a controversial figure for some.

The shift in nominations has also drawn criticism from within Trump's own camp. Some, like conservative commentator Laura Loomer, have accused the MAHA movement of being infiltrated by "Marxists and Grifters." Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy's former running mate, also expressed her disappointment, claiming she was promised the Means siblings would not hold positions within the Health and Human Services department.

The reasons behind the switch from Nesheiwat to Means remain unclear, but sources suggest Nesheiwat's previous stances on masking, social distancing, and vaccines may have clashed with the MAHA vision.

BNN's Perspective: This nomination highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of political alliances. While Dr. Means' credentials and focus on health are commendable, her close association with RFK Jr. and his controversial views on vaccines and other health issues could alienate some moderate voters. Trump's decision to replace his initial pick with someone aligned with a different faction within the conservative movement underscores the ongoing internal debates within the Republican party.

Keywords: Casey Means, Donald Trump, Surgeon General, RFK Jr., MAHA, Janette Nesheiwat, Health, Politics, Controversy, Nomination, Conservative, Laura Loomer, Nicole Shanahan, Good Energy, Levels, Calley Means, Vaccine, Masking, Social Distancing

Full Story