President Donald Trump has announced a new nominee for US Surgeon General, tapping Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-trained physician and prominent wellness advocate, to take on the role, Fox News reports.
The decision marks a shift in direction, replacing Trump’s previous pick, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat.
Trump made the announcement Wednesday afternoon on his social media platform, Truth Social, praising Means for her strong alignment with his “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda.
“Casey has impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials and will work closely with our wonderful Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to ensure a successful implementation of our agenda to reverse the chronic disease epidemic and ensure great health for all Americans,” Trump wrote. “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States history.”
Means, who co-authored the 2024 book Good Energy with her brother Calley Means, has become a leading voice in the movement to address the nation’s chronic disease crisis. She also co-founded Levels, a health technology company focused on metabolic wellness. The sibling duo has been instrumental in shaping health policy for Trump’s campaign and transition team.
Calley Means currently serves as a senior advisor to Secretary Kennedy at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Trump’s announcement comes after the unexpected withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat’s nomination for the same post. The administration has not provided a formal explanation for the change, though Trump noted in his post that Nesheiwat is expected to continue serving in a senior role at HHS under Kennedy’s leadership.
“I look forward to working with Dr. Janette Nesheiwat in another capacity at HHS,” Trump wrote.
In a follow-up message on X (formerly Twitter), Nesheiwat expressed her continued support for Trump’s health agenda.
“My focus continues to be on improving the health and well-being of all Americans, and that mission hasn’t changed,” she said, confirming that she will remain active in policymaking under the current administration.
Nesheiwat is also connected to recent political shake-ups in the Trump team. She is the sister-in-law of former National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, who was recently dismissed from his post. Trump has since announced plans to nominate Waltz as the next US Ambassador to the United Nations, replacing his initial pick, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
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