Trump’s Surgeon General Pick, Casey Means, Grilled Over Public Health Views/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Dr. Casey Means defended her vision for tackling chronic disease during her Senate confirmation hearing. Lawmakers pressed her on vaccines, birth control, psychedelics, and potential conflicts of interest. Her nomination now moves to a Senate committee vote amid bipartisan scrutiny.
Surgeon General Nominee Casey Means Confirmation Hearing Quick Looks
- Dr. Casey Means testifies before Senate health committee
- Emphasizes addressing root causes of chronic disease
- Faces bipartisan questions on vaccines and autism research
- Pressed on past comments about hormonal birth control
- Scrutiny over financial ties to wellness products
- Pledges to divest from private ventures if confirmed
- Previous surgeons general question her qualifications
Deep Look: Trump’s Surgeon General Pick, Casey Means, Grilled Over Public Health Views
NEW YORK — Dr. Casey Means, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. surgeon general, faced pointed questioning from senators during her confirmation hearing as lawmakers scrutinized her views on vaccines, birth control, psychedelics, and her professional background.
Means, a 38-year-old physician, wellness entrepreneur, and author, outlined a public health vision centered on combating chronic disease by addressing underlying causes rather than relying on what she described as “reactive sick care.” Speaking before the Senate health committee in Washington, she argued that Americans are grappling with preventable illnesses tied to diet, environmental exposures, and systemic shortcomings in health care.
“Our nation is angry, exhausted and hurting,” Means told lawmakers, adding that tackling shared root causes could help move the country beyond what she characterized as ineffective “whack-a-mole” medicine.
Her message aligns closely with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which prioritizes reducing ultraprocessed foods, eliminating conflicts of interest in health agencies, and promoting preventive care.
Vaccine Questions Take Center Stage
Much of the hearing focused on vaccines, a politically sensitive topic in recent years. Although the surgeon general does not set vaccine policy, the role carries influence through public health advisories and national messaging.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican who chairs the committee and is himself a physician, asked Means whether she would encourage Americans to receive flu and measles vaccines amid outbreaks in parts of the United States. Means stopped short of offering a direct endorsement, emphasizing informed consent between doctors and patients.
Cassidy also asked whether she accepts established research showing that vaccines do not cause autism.
“I do accept that evidence,” Means responded, while adding that scientific inquiry is ongoing and never fully settled.
She expressed interest in forthcoming federal research examining environmental factors that may contribute to autism, funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Means also addressed her previous comments about the hepatitis B vaccine given at birth. While she acknowledged concerns she had raised in the past, she told senators she supports current guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including vaccination at some point during childhood.
Birth Control and Reproductive Health Scrutiny
Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington state, questioned Means about earlier statements suggesting birth control pills were prescribed “like candy” and reflected a disregard for life-creating processes.
Means clarified that she supports access to oral contraceptives for women but believes doctors often lack sufficient time to provide thorough informed consent about potential side effects. She referenced concerns about risks such as blood clots and cardiovascular complications in certain populations.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, hormonal contraceptives are generally safe for most individuals, though they carry a small elevated risk of serious complications in specific groups, such as smokers over 35 or those with cardiovascular risk factors.
Psychedelics and Personal Views
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine raised questions about Means’ prior public comments endorsing the therapeutic potential of psychedelic mushrooms, which she discussed in her book. Means acknowledged that her perspective as a private citizen differs from what would be appropriate as a public health official and said she would not advocate psychedelic use for the general public if confirmed.
Qualifications and Professional Background
Means’ unconventional career path became another focal point. After earning her medical degree from Stanford University, she left her surgical residency program at Oregon Health and Science University in 2018, citing dissatisfaction with what she described as systemic flaws in traditional medicine.
She later obtained a medical license in Oregon, though it is not currently active. Means founded a functional medicine practice that has since closed and co-founded Levels, a health technology company offering data-driven tools related to nutrition, sleep, and glucose monitoring.
Financial disclosures show she earned significant income promoting wellness-related products, including supplements and specialty foods. An Associated Press investigation previously found that she did not always disclose potential financial benefits when recommending certain products.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Means disputed allegations of improper conduct and pledged to eliminate conflicts of interest if confirmed. In her ethics filing, she said she would resign from her role at Levels, divest stock holdings and options, and cease work for Rupa, a specialty laboratory services company. She also committed to refraining from promoting her book “Good Energy,” though she may continue receiving royalties.
The filing further stated that she would not acquire prohibited financial interests under Food and Drug Administration ethics guidelines.
Divided Reception on Capitol Hill
Means’ nomination has drawn skepticism from some in the public health community. Former Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona, who served under President George W. Bush, publicly questioned her qualifications, citing concerns about leadership experience. Dr. Jerome Adams, who served as surgeon general during Trump’s first term, noted that the role traditionally requires an active medical license to lead the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
Meanwhile, supporters argue that Means brings fresh perspective and a preventive-care focus that resonates with voters concerned about rising chronic disease rates.
If the Senate health committee advances her nomination, the full Senate will vote on whether she will become the nation’s top public health spokesperson.
As the hearing concluded, Means reiterated her commitment to promoting healthier food systems and addressing metabolic health nationwide — themes that may shape the debate as her nomination moves forward.
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