Former President Donald Trump has selected Dr. Casey Means as his new nominee for Surgeon General, stirring fresh discussion over public health priorities and unconventional medical perspectives.

According to the Christian Post, the announcement on May 7 came after Trump’s initial choice, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, withdrew her name from consideration just days before a scheduled Senate confirmation hearing.

Trump introduced the nomination in a public message on Truth Social, where he praised Dr. Means as a candidate with exceptional credentials. He described her academic background and career achievements as “absolutely outstanding” and aligned with his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. Trump emphasized her potential, stating she could become one of the “finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.”

The Surgeon General serves as the nation’s leading spokesperson on public health matters. This nomination comes during Trump’s bid for a return to the White House and signals his administration’s continued emphasis on addressing chronic disease as a national health priority. Dr. Means would take a visible role in shaping Trump’s health policy agenda should he be re-elected.

Trump Cites Strong Commitment to Public Health

In his announcement, Trump laid out intentions for Dr. Means to work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he has picked for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Together, the two are expected to spearhead efforts toward reducing chronic illnesses and encouraging a healthier population. Trump called their proposed collaboration essential for ensuring “Great Health” across the country.

This nomination follows a sudden shift in personnel within Trump’s health team. The previous nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, withdrew her name from consideration just before she was due to appear for a confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Trump did not elaborate on the reasons for her withdrawal in his statement.

Dr. Casey Means, a public health advocate and stepping into the national spotlight with this appointment, has attracted attention for her unconventional views, including her critique of mainstream birth control practices. She also speaks openly about wellness, chronic illness prevention, and what she sees as a deeper “spiritual crisis” affecting Americans’ well-being.

Nominee Advocates Wellness Beyond Traditional Medicine

Dr. Means has expressed concern about the direction of public health in the United States. She has attributed the nation’s chronic disease burden as not only a medical issue but also a reflection of a larger cultural and spiritual disconnection affecting health outcomes. Her approach suggests that revitalizing public health may require more than just medical intervention.

She has criticized reliance on pharmaceutical approaches, including the widespread use of birth control pills, which places her apart from many mainstream medical professionals. Her perspective marks a potential shift in tone for the office of the Surgeon General, which has traditionally upheld conventional public health guidance.

In addition to her public health advocacy, Dr. Means has been associated with non-traditional religious practices, although it is unclear how this might influence her work within a federal health role. Her combination of holistic health views and spiritual wellness marks a distinct profile compared to previous Surgeon General nominees.

Candidates Reflect Trump’s Health Agenda Evolution

Trump’s focus on chronic disease is not new. During prior terms, he often spoke about wellness and health independence initiatives. However, his pairing of Dr. Means with Kennedy Jr.—an outspoken critic of certain public health policies—reflects a growing emphasis on alternative perspectives within health administration circles allied with the former president.

In his Truth Social post, Trump reiterated the vision behind his "Make America Healthy Again" platform, often abbreviated as MAHA. He said Dr. Means embodies the ideals of this movement, pointing to her academic and professional work as aligning with his administration’s mission to reverse the ongoing chronic illness patterns plaguing the United States.

While Dr. Means has not yet responded publicly to the nomination, observers believe her confirmation process could prove contentious, given her past comments and positions. The next steps would involve formal Senate proceedings to vet her qualifications and evaluate her public statements, as is customary for such appointments.

Senate Likely to Scrutinize Non-Traditional Views

The Surgeon General’s office usually emphasizes science-based approaches and evidence-driven recommendations. Dr. Means' critics may raise concerns about how her views on spiritual wellness or criticism of certain medications align with that mission. Her confirmation hearing is expected to address these differences directly.

Despite the potential challenges ahead, Trump expressed full confidence in his nominee’s ability to lead federal health initiatives. He proposed that her non-traditional approach could offer a fresh take on persistent health issues that have not been resolved through conventional means alone.

Supporters argue that a broader interpretation of health—one that considers lifestyle, culture, and spiritual well-being—may be the kind of innovation needed in a healthcare system often criticized as reactionary rather than preventative.

Upcoming Hearings to Set the Course

As of now, no date has been announced for Dr. Means’ Senate confirmation hearing. The process typically involves close examination of a nominee’s past writings, public remarks, and qualifications for the role. Given her unconventional stances, her hearing may draw an elevated level of public and political attention.

Trump’s nomination of Dr. Means signals a departure from more traditional public health messaging. It remains to be seen how legislators on both sides of the aisle will respond when the confirmation process begins.

With chronic disease affecting a majority of adults in the U.S., the role of Surgeon General is likely to continue gaining importance as nationwide health challenges evolve. Dr. Means’ views, if confirmed, could influence the direction of federal health guidance in significant ways.