Trump's Surgeon General Nominee Faces GOP Skepticism

Casey Means, President Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, is facing potential roadblocks as several Republican senators have raised concerns about her medical qualifications and views on vaccines, according to The Washington Post.

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) have all voiced skepticism following a confirmation hearing last month. Their doubts could hinder her nomination from advancing beyond the Senate Health Committee, with just one senator's opposition possibly being enough to stall the process.

Since her nomination over ten months ago, Means has gained recognition as a wellness influencer within the Make America Health Again movement, closely associated with anti-vaccine Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., its founder. During the hearing, senators questioned Means about her stance on various vaccines, including those for influenza, measles, and hepatitis B for newborns. However, she largely evaded direct responses, refraining from explicitly endorsing these critical immunizations or contradicting Kennedy’s anti-vaccine perspectives.

Following the hearing, both Senators Collins and Murkowski indicated they remained uncertain about Means's nomination. Murkowski specifically expressed “strong reservations” that have persisted, as reported by the Post.

Senator Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health Committee and is a staunch proponent of vaccinations, also pressed Means on her immunization views throughout the hearing. He previously voted to confirm Kennedy as health secretary, contingent upon Kennedy's assurances against implementing certain anti-vaccine changes—assurances that Cassidy believes have not been honored. Although Cassidy has not disclosed his voting intentions regarding Means, individuals within the MAHA group view him as a significant factor in her delayed confirmation. When asked about her nomination status, Cassidy remained uncommitted, stating, “no change.”

Concerns about Means's qualifications also persist. While she has a medical degree from Stanford University, she did not complete her residency and currently holds an inactive medical license in Oregon. If confirmed, she would assume the role of the nation’s top doctor and lead the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, despite being unable to practice medicine.

Senator Tillis expressed a negative outlook on Means's nomination, stating, “I don’t think she performed particularly well in the hearing,” and conveyed disappointment in her background.

After stepping away from her medical career, Means transitioned to the wellness sector, raising further apprehensions among lawmakers and outside critics. Her financial disclosures reveal lucrative endorsements for diagnostic tests, herbal remedies, wellness products, teas, supplements, and “elixirs.”

Means has also made questionable assertions that lifestyle changes can prevent or reverse serious health issues, from Alzheimer’s disease to infertility. A book she co-authored with her brother, titled Good Energy, has been described by some as the “MAHA bible” and includes a chapter advocating for self-trust over medical advice. Additionally, she has faced backlash for discussing the use of magic mushrooms, consulting a “spiritual medium,” and engaging in “full moon ceremonies.”