Trump Nominates Wellness Advocate as Surgeon General

In a significant move, President Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Dr. Casey Means, a wellness advocate and physician with connections to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for the position of Surgeon General. This announcement follows the withdrawal of his previous nominee, Janette Nesheiwat, just before her scheduled Senate confirmation hearing.

Trump praised Means in a social media post, highlighting her commitment to improving public health and her belief in eradicating chronic diseases through a holistic approach. He referred to her qualifications as 'impeccable' and expressed confidence that she could become one of the most effective Surgeons General in U.S. history.

Dr. Means, who has no prior government experience, previously dropped out of her surgical residency, citing disillusionment with conventional medicine. She is the founder of Levels, a health technology company focused on monitoring blood sugar levels and other health metrics. In addition, she has a significant social media presence, where she promotes dietary supplements and wellness products.

Her nomination comes at a time when there is increasing scrutiny over the American diet and its correlation with rising health issues such as obesity and diabetes. Means and her brother, who served as advisors to Kennedy's presidential campaign, have been vocal about their views on the influences of processed foods and pharmaceutical companies on public health.

While many experts acknowledge that processed foods contribute to health problems, they caution against oversimplifying the issue. Research indicates that a large portion of the American food supply is classified as processed, complicating the narrative surrounding nutrition and health. Furthermore, Means has previously called for a reevaluation of vaccine safety, though she has largely avoided the more controversial aspects of Kennedy's positions.

If confirmed, Dr. Means would be responsible for overseeing the U.S. Public Health Service Corps and would play a critical role in promoting health initiatives aligned with Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda. This agenda aims to reform nutrition programs and eliminate harmful additives from the food supply.

Janette Nesheiwat, the former nominee who was withdrawn from consideration, is a medical director and has appeared on Fox News. Despite being a supporter of Trump, she faced criticism that may have influenced her withdrawal. The White House reportedly decided to retract her nomination due to concerns regarding her confirmation prospects stemming from various controversies.

Overall, the nomination of Dr. Casey Means reflects a broader trend in the current administration towards prioritizing alternative health perspectives and addressing chronic health issues through non-traditional approaches.