Summary
- Casey Means nominated as US surgeon general by Trump in May.
- Means is a wellness influencer with an expired medical license.
- Confirmation hearing postponed due to her pregnancy, beyond due date.
Due to her pregnancy, Means had intended to make history on Thursday by being the first nominee to virtually appear before the Senate health, education, labor, and pensions committee. According to a person familiar with the situation, the hearing was initially set for two days beyond her due date. When the hearing will be rescheduled is still unknown.
In a statement shared with the Guardian, Emily Hilliard, press secretary for the department of health and human services (HHS), said:
“Everyone is happy for Dr Means and her family. This is one of the few times in life when it’s easy to ask to move a Senate hearing.”
Means, who is frequently referred to as "the nation's doctor," was nominated by Trump in May to be the second choice for the position of US surgeon general. The sudden withdrawal of Trump's first candidate, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, whose confirmation hearing was canceled due to right-wing opposition and concerns about her qualifications, is followed by Means, a wellness influencer and doctor with an expired medical license.
Means, a 38-year-old medical entrepreneur from Los Angeles, gained notoriety in conservative wellness circles for her criticism of conventional medicine and support of enhancing the country's food supply.
She is a prominent member of the "Make America healthy again" (Maha) movement and the author of the best-selling book Good Energy. Her appointment highlights Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary,'s expanding power within the Trump administration.
Trump said that Means "has impeccable 'Maha' credentials" in a social Twitter post.
“Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding,”
Trump said.
“Dr Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.”
Asked about the nomination shortly after it was announced, Trump said: “I don’t know her. I listened to the recommendation of Bobby.”
Means has promoted holistic health with an emphasis on whole and natural foods, exercise, and reducing the use of pharmaceutical prescriptions for chronic illnesses through her book, blog, and speaking engagements.
The Stanford Medicine-trained physician has also criticized widespread pesticide use, cautioned against long-term use of hormonal birth control, and claimed that psychedelics like psilocybin may be good for mental health.
In addition to being important advisors to Kennedy's unlikely 2024 presidential campaign, Means and her brother, former lobbyist Calley Means, assisted in securing his support for Trump last summer. The pair received accolades from conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and podcaster Joe Rogan for their appearances with some of Trump's most ardent followers.
How have past surgeon general nominees' hearings handled medical controversies?
Once surgeon general appointees' Senate evidence sounds have handled medical difficulties with rigorous scrutiny, frequently fastening on the designee's qualifications, medical background, and public health stations.
For illustration, Dr. Richard Carmona, nominated in 2002, faced tough questioning regarding his history conflicts with associates, delayed board instrument, and former failed examinations. Despite difficulties, his thorough knowledge of different health issues helped his evidence.
More lately, appointees with controversial medical views ornon-traditional backgrounds, like Casey Means, face violent scrutiny over their medical licensure, qualifications, and alignment with mainstream public health wisdom. During sounds, appointees are frequently questioned about sensitive issues similar to vaccine programs, healthcare regulations, and scientific credibility.
Legislators inquire difficulties by challenging appointees to explain or defend their positions and qualifications, seeking to ensure they retain sufficient moxie and align with public health principles.