Wed May 07 23:09:37 UTC 2025: ## Trump Nominates Wellness Influencer as Surgeon General
**Washington, D.C.** – President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and close ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as Surgeon General. The announcement, made via social media Wednesday, follows the withdrawal of Trump’s previous nominee, Janette Nesheiwat, who faced criticism from within the administration.
Means, who lacks government experience and abandoned her surgical residency, is a prominent figure in the wellness space. She advises the White House, frequently appears on media platforms defending administration health policies, and runs a company tracking health metrics. She is also a vocal advocate for alternative health approaches and has promoted various dietary supplements.
While acknowledging the negative impact of processed foods on American health, Means controversially links diet and lifestyle to a wide range of conditions, including infertility, Alzheimer’s, depression, and erectile dysfunction. This aligns with the views of Kennedy Jr., who has publicly opposed measures like mandatory vaccinations and fluoridation of drinking water—positions contrary to established scientific consensus.
Critics argue that this nomination, coupled with the administration’s broader attacks on traditional public health measures, exploits public distrust in healthcare and food systems without addressing underlying issues. They further express concern that such rhetoric, while appealing to a specific segment of the population, undermines proven public health initiatives. Nesheiwat, Trump’s previous nominee, faced opposition due to her support for COVID-19 vaccines and questions about her credentials. Means’ nomination is expected to spark further debate regarding the administration’s approach to public health.
First Piper 