Trump Defends Surgeon General Pick Despite Admitting Limited Knowledge

President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means as the new U.S. Surgeon General following the withdrawal of his initial nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, amid credential controversies and political backlash. Trump admitted he does not personally know Means and based his decision on the recommendation of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who praised Means for her Stanford education and leadership in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. Means, who dropped out of her medical residency and currently holds an inactive medical license, is a wellness influencer known for promoting alternative medicine and co-authoring a book on chronic disease with her brother. While Kennedy defended Means by highlighting her achievements and ability to articulate the MAHA vision, critics, including some within the MAGA base, have questioned her medical qualifications and labeled her as controversial. Means has expressed skepticism about vaccine mandates and has advocated for studying their effects, aligning with some of Kennedy's views. The administration's choice reflects a shift towards alternative health approaches despite substantial debate over Means's suitability for the surgeon general role.