Dr. Casey Means, a key figure in the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, is set to testify before a Senate committee today as she seeks confirmation to become the United States’ Surgeon General. A Stanford graduate and wellness influencer, Means has been a vocal supporter of health reforms under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Her advocacy for healthy living, limited pharmaceutical use, and alternative remedies has made her a prominent player in MAHA.
Means was nominated for the surgeon general position by President Donald Trump in May 2023, coinciding with the withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat’s nomination. However, her selection faced criticism due to her lack of clinical experience as she had left her medical residency program and allowed her medical license to lapse. In her 2024 book, “Good Energy,” she explained her resignation from residency resulted from disillusionment with the medical system.
Initially scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee last October, Means postponed her appearance due to the birth of her first child. Her testimony comes at a crucial time for the administration’s health agenda, as it faces scrutiny over vaccine policies amid a significant measles outbreak, which is approaching nearly 1,000 cases. Republican senators have also raised concerns about access to abortion pills, while MAHA advocates are challenging Trump’s recent executive orders affecting pesticide manufacturers.
Although the role of Surgeon General does not possess direct policy-making power, the position is pivotal in shaping national health discussions, similar to past efforts that led to cigarette warning labels. Means has called for more research into childhood vaccines and has raised concerns regarding the safety of multiple vaccinations given to infants, reflecting sentiments shared by Kennedy and others in the administration, despite the lack of scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism.
While Means has not directly commented on abortion-related issues, she has expressed her views on contraception, suggesting that society’s approach to women’s health has diminished “respect for life.” These perspectives have drawn criticism from public health advocates, including Peter Lurie, who questioned her qualifications for the role.
Additionally, Means is expected to support MAHA’s campaign against widely used pesticides like glyphosate, noting a parallel between the impacts of industrial agriculture and long-term contraceptive use on women’s health. She has articulated her belief that society has attempted to dominate vital cycles that support life, advocating for a more respectful and holistic approach to both human health and the environment.
As the Senate committee prepares for her testimony, the outcome of her nomination could have significant implications for the nation’s health policies and the ongoing dialogue around public health practices.