The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, known for its opposition to traditional healthcare and government regulations, finds itself in the throes of an internal power struggle. At the heart of the controversy are Calley Means, an advisor to environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Peter Gillooly, CEO of The Wellness Company. A leaked phone call and formal complaints reveal accusations of threats, abuse of power, and potential coercion involving federal positions.
The feud came to light after Gillooly filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of the Special Counsel and the HHS Inspector General on Saturday. He alleges that Means, using his government role, attempted to intimidate his company into a partnership with Means' health startup, Truemed. The startup's business model allows customers to purchase wellness products with pre-tax health spending accounts, an increasingly popular option among conservative Americans.
Rift TV released a recording in which Means accuses The Wellness Company of disseminating harmful information about Truemed to investigative journalist Laura Loomer. Loomer recently reported that Truemed provided unverified doctor’s notes for customers to misuse health savings accounts for supplement purchases. In the call, Means is heard issuing a direct threat of legal action and potential backlash from influential figures if the alleged sharing of information continued.
The controversy extends beyond the immediate conflict as Means' dual roles as a government advisor and private company executive draw scrutiny. Before his HHS involvement, Means worked as a strategist for Republican campaigns and was recognized for his criticisms of big pharma and government health policy, gaining attention on platforms such as The Joe Rogan Experience.
As part of the dispute, Loomer has accused Truemed of tax fraud and questioned the nomination of Casey Means, Calley's sister, as Surgeon General, citing her lack of support for Donald Trump and an inactive medical license. The accusations have sparked backlash among conservatives, with Nicole Shanahan, RFK Jr.'s former running mate, expressing confusion over the appointment.
Gillooly's complaint alleges that Means sought to "blackmail" his private corporation and implied negative consequences from HHS leadership if The Wellness Company did not collaborate with Truemed. This clash highlights the delicate balance between public service and private interests and raises concerns about the abuse of government power.
The Wellness Company, recognized for its supplements and alternative COVID-19 treatments, is supported by a customer base that values its position as a counter to mainstream medicine and government healthcare. The company's advisory board includes prominent figures like Dr. Peter McCullough and Dr. Kelly Victory, known for their critiques of pandemic protocols and vaccine mandates.
As the situation escalates, the parties involved are calling for accountability rather than personal apologies. The broader implications for the MAHA movement and the integrity of federal positions remain to be seen, as the public and authorities weigh in on this unfolding controversy.
