President Donald Trump has named Dr. Casey Means, a noted author, health entrepreneur, and influencer, his latest pick for U.S. Surgeon General, replacing his initial nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat.
Dr. Means, well-known for supporting Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, positions chronic disease as a consequence of corruption within the pharmaceutical and food industries. Trump highlighted her “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials” when announcing her nomination, expressing confidence in her ability to “reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic.”
The Surgeon General is often seen as the nation’s top authority on public health and assumes the title of the “nation’s doctor.” Dr. Means, aged 37, holds a medical degree from Stanford University, though she did not complete her residency training. She co-founded Levels, a glucose monitoring startup, and has held prior research roles at the National Institutes of Health and prominent academic institutions. She also co-authored a 2024 book titled Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health with her brother, Calley Means. The book gained traction on conservative platforms, including appearances on Joe Rogan’s and Tucker Carlson’s podcasts, where she called attention to chronic illnesses driven by “toxic food systems and environments” that, she claimed, keep patients dependent on pharmaceuticals. 
Dr. Nesheiwat, Trump’s previous nominee, faced growing scrutiny over her medical credentials and professional background. Reports revealed discrepancies regarding her medical degree, which she had claimed was from the University of Arkansas but was acquired from the American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten. Recently, she was criticized by Trump ally Laura Loomer over concerns surrounding her stance on COVID-19 vaccines and credibility. These controversies led to renewed criticism, culminating in her removal as the nominee. Trump stated that Dr. Nesheiwat would remain active in the health department in a different, unspecified role.
Dr. Means is expected to face Senate confirmation hearings in the coming weeks, where her alignment with Secretary Kennedy’s controversial MAHA agenda and unconventional career trajectory could spark intense debate.
