MAHA Movement’s Role in Casey Means’ Surgeon General Appointment
Former President Donald Trump’s nomination of Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General has sparked a flurry of criticism in the medical profession as well as in political circles. Because of her inactive medical license and close ties to the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign, which many believed would support her appointment, Means, Trump’s most recent choice for the powerful position of U.S. Surgeon General, is coming under fire.
Best known for her book Good Energy and her appearances on wellness podcasts, Dr. Means has established herself as a well-known authority on metabolic health and functional medicine. Trump commended her for having “impeccable MAHA credentials,” citing her support for the comprehensive approach to healthcare reform taken by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The fact that Kennedy’s senior advisor is her brother, Calley Means, further demonstrates her family’s commitment to MAHA.
However, a significant problem—her medical license—quickly eclipsed Dr. Casey Means’ candidacy as Surgeon General. Her license is currently inactive, according to Oregon public records, which is a serious issue because Surgeon General nominees are required by U.S. law to be active citizens.
Commissioned Corps for the Public Health Service. Current medical education and professional certifications are also necessary for this appointment requirement.
Concerns are being raised by detractors in the political and medical fields. President George W. Bush’s Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona, questioned her credentials. All of the previous Surgeon Generals were licensed, had finished their residencies, and had proven to be capable leaders. Here, we don’t see that. “I think our nation deserves better,” Carmona remarked.
Surgeon Dr. Casey Means. The general background is undoubtedly unconventional. Disillusioned with traditional medical methods, she abandoned her surgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Later, she co-founded Levels, a tech business that focuses on continuous glucose monitoring, and built a functional medicine clinic. Some public health specialists contend that her work does not meet the standards anticipated of the country’s leading medical communicator, even though it is highly regarded among wellness circles.
Unexpectedly, MAHA insiders are also opposing the plan. RFK Jr.’s former running mate for vice president, Nicole Shanahan, wrote on X (previously Twitter) that she was “promised” that neither Casey nor her brother Calley would be assigned to positions at HHS. Means hasn’t taken a hard enough stand against vaccines, according to some Trump followers and anti-vaccine advocates.
RFK Jr. retaliated online, accusing media and pharmaceutical companies of stoking the outrage. “These businesses and their media channels will keep paying social media influencers and bloggers to disparage Casey, “I wrote. “She will be America’s greatest Surgeon General.”
Yet, the question of legal status remains a significant concern. As a Commissioned Corps officer, a Surgeon General is required by federal law to maintain a current license and complete continuing education requirements. “She is not licensed and should therefore be ineligible to become Surgeon General of the United States,” said Lawrence Gostin, a law professor at Georgetown.
To make it possible for Casey Means to be appointed Surgeon General, however, some legal experts think the Trump administration would look for administrative loopholes or suggest policy modifications.
Her nomination comes after Dr. Janette Nesheiwat withdrew after conservative circles lambasted her for falsifying her medical background and not being vocal enough against vaccines.
Similarly, Dr. David Weldon, Trump’s first choice for CDC director, was fired after not receiving Senate support, and acting director Susan Monarez took his position.
Trump is stepping up his health narrative, which is based on functional health, alternative medicine, and vaccine skepticism, with the appointment of Casey Means as Surgeon General. His political base is being energized by this strategy, but it is also creating a great deal of disagreement, even within the movement that was meant to support it.
