Executive Summary
- Dr. Casey Means’ Senate confirmation hearing for Surgeon General was postponed after she went into labor.
- President Trump nominated Dr. Means, who is known for her book “Good Energy” and association with the ‘Make American Healthy Again’ movement.
- Dr. Means advocates a holistic health approach emphasizing natural foods, exercise, reduced pharmaceutical reliance, and has discussed psychedelics and other health topics.
The Story So Far
- Dr. Casey Means, President Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, was put forward after a previous nominee withdrew and is known for her holistic health philosophy, advocating for natural foods, regular exercise, and reduced reliance on pharmaceutical prescriptions, aligning with the ‘Make American Healthy Again’ movement she is associated with.
Why This Matters
- The postponement of Dr. Casey Means’ Senate confirmation hearing for Surgeon General delays the filling of a critical public health position, potentially impacting the advancement of President Trump’s ‘Make American Healthy Again’ health agenda, which advocates for holistic health practices over pharmaceutical reliance.
Who Thinks What?
- President Donald Trump supports Dr. Casey Means’ nomination for Surgeon General.
- Dr. Casey Means advocates for a holistic health philosophy emphasizing natural foods, exercise, and reduced reliance on pharmaceuticals.
- The Senate HELP Committee is proceeding with Dr. Means’ confirmation hearing, accommodating her pregnancy by allowing a virtual appearance and postponing the hearing.
Dr. Casey Means, President Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, has had her Senate confirmation hearing postponed after going into labor with her first child. The hearing before the Senate Health, Education Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee was originally scheduled for October 30, 2025, just two days after her due date.
Background on the Nomination
A spokesperson for the Senate HELP Committee and an individual familiar with Means confirmed the postponement. Dr. Means was slated to be the first nominee to appear virtually before the HELP committee, a measure accommodated due to her pregnancy.
President Trump nominated Dr. Means in May, following the withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat’s nomination. Means is known for her book, “Good Energy,” and is associated with the ‘Make American Healthy Again’ movement.
Dr. Means’ Health Philosophy
A Stanford Medicine-trained physician, Dr. Means advocates for a holistic approach to health. Her public discourse focuses on whole and natural foods, regular exercise, and reducing reliance on pharmaceutical prescriptions for chronic conditions.
She has also publicly discussed the potential mental health benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin, critiqued widespread pesticide use, and cautioned against long-term use of hormonal birth control.
Next Steps
It remains unclear when the Senate confirmation hearing for Dr. Means will be rescheduled.
