President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the replacement of his previous nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, with Dr. Casey Means, a health tech entrepreneur. The announcement was made via Trump's Truth Social platform, where he expressed his excitement about Dr. Means' nomination, citing her 'MAHA' credentials and her collaborative relationship with Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Dr. Means is one of the co-founders of Levels, a company specializing in glucose monitoring technology aimed at tracking personal health data. She has been a vocal advocate for a shift in the nation's health priorities, particularly in the area of chronic disease prevention. Working closely with her brother Calley Means, a health adviser to the White House, Dr. Means has criticized the medical establishment and the pharmaceutical industry for their roles in the health crisis facing the nation.
The siblings have supported Kennedy's health policies and have made appearances on popular media outlets like "The Joe Rogan Experience" to discuss health issues such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and autism. President Trump praised Dr. Means, describing her as "absolutely outstanding" and suggesting she has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in U.S. history.
The endorsement of Dr. Means aligns with the White House's efforts to confront the chronic disease epidemic in the United States. While Trump has faced criticism for some MAHA-backed policies, he has been steadfast in his commitment to implementing changes that improve health outcomes for all Americans.
Dr. Nesheiwat, who had been poised for confirmation hearings in the Senate, will now take on a different role within the Department of Health and Human Services. Her connection to former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who was recently embroiled in a scandal involving leaked military plans, may have influenced the decision to shift her nomination.
The appointment of Dr. Means signifies a significant shift in health policy under the Trump administration. Her focus on health technology and transparency in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to influence the approach to public health in the coming years. Supporters of Dr. Means have welcomed her data-driven methodology to public health, while critics worry that the administration's emphasis on MAHA priorities could detract from traditional public health initiatives.
This move is part of Trump's broader strategy to reshape the nation's health priorities, aiming to reduce chronic diseases, promote wellness, and secure better health outcomes for Americans in the future.