President Donald Trump has nominated Casey Means, a wellness influencer with ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the next U.S. surgeon general. By doing so, Trump withdrew former Fox News medical contributor Janette Nesheiwat from consideration for U.S. surgeon general. This is at least the second health-related nominee he has pulled from the Senate confirmation process.
But Means's nomination quickly drew backlash from conservative firebrand Laura Loomer, who questioned Means' qualifications and political loyalty. Loomer noted that Means does not hold an active medical license in Oregon, where she founded her practice, and is not a surgeon. “Turns out you can be a social media influencer and become Surgeon General,” Loomer posted on X, calling the pick “embarrassing.”
President Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means @CaseyMeansMD to be the next US Surgeon General.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 8, 2025
Surgeon General is a very interesting term.
The Surgeon General is the nation's top doctor, responsible for providing medical advice and leadership on public health issues.
It is… pic.twitter.com/AZHRCinSPm
The announcement adds to a string of controversial health nominations. Nesheiwat’s candidacy unraveled after Loomer flagged discrepancies in her education claims and pro-vaccine stance. She was set to testify before the Senate before her nomination was pulled. Earlier, Trump dropped Dave Weldon as CDC nominee due to concerns over his vaccine skepticism.
I’m glad I initiated the MAHA breakup.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 8, 2025
Many of these grifters needed to be exposed for who they are.
As Surgeon General, Means would oversee the U.S. Public Health Service and help shape the nation’s response to public health issues.
