Trump faces backlash after selecting wellness influencer Casey Means, with no medical license, for the position of US Surgeon General.
President Donald Trump’s latest pick for U.S. Surgeon General, wellness influencer Casey Means, has sparked significant controversy.
Means’ potential appointment to a top health position has sparked praise and criticism from medical professionals.
While Means has gained a large following on social media, many question her qualifications for such a vital public health role.
Trump selects a non-medical influencer to be the US Surgeon General
President Trump has been vocal in his support for Casey Means, touting her as a top candidate for the Surgeon General role.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Means, calling her “impeccable” and lauding her for her “MAHA” credentials.
He emphasized her focus on combating chronic diseases and improving Americans’ health with the “Make America Healthy Again” slogan.
Trump said: “Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding.
Dr Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.”
Means’ proposed role would involve working closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new Secretary of Health.
Together, they aim to reverse the chronic disease epidemic and improve Americans’ overall well-being.
Doctor criticizes Trump’s choice of unqualified Surgeon General nominee
Despite Trump’s enthusiastic endorsement, several questions have been raised regarding Means’ qualifications.
Reports have revealed that Means is not currently licensed to practice medicine.
She attended Stanford University’s medical school but dropped out of an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) residency program at the University of Oregon.
This raises concerns about whether her limited medical experience makes her suitable for the position.
Medical experts, including Dr. Andrea Love, criticized Means for lacking essential expertise to lead national health policies.
Dr. Love called her a “grifter” for selling glucose monitors to non-diabetics and claiming metabolism expertise with incomplete residency.
Previous nominee removed amid controversy
The controversy surrounding Means comes shortly after President Trump removed Dr. Janette Nesheiwat from consideration for Surgeon General.
Nesheiwat, a former Fox News contributor, had been nominated for the position before facing allegations related to her medical background.
Critics, including Laura Loomer, claimed Nesheiwat’s ties to Waltz and COVID-19 support disqualified her.
Trump reassured the public that Nesheiwat will be assigned to a different role within the Department of Health and Human Services.
However, the search for a new Surgeon General has been tumultuous.
Means rose to fame with financial interests.
While Means’ lack of formal medical training is under scrutiny, she has made a name for herself in the wellness industry.
She co-authored the book *Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health*.
Means has gained a significant following on platforms like Instagram, where she promotes health products and shares lifestyle tips.
She has also appeared on prominent podcasts hosted by Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan, further amplifying her visibility.
However, her business ventures have raised additional concerns.
Means is the founder of Levels, a tech company that helps users track blood sugar and other health metrics.
She profits from promoting supplements and teas on social media, raising concerns about her Surgeon General appointment.
Critics argue her financial interests could conflict with the public health priorities of the role.
Criticism of family ties and conflicts of interest
Another point of contention is Means’ familial connection to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
He is set to play a central role in the Trump administration’s health initiatives.
Concerns have been raised that Means’ connection to Kennedy, known for his controversial vaccine stance, could create a conflict of interest.