Trump's Surgeon General Nominee Faces Criticism from Fellow MAGA Supporters
Controversial Nominee for Surgeon General Sparks Debate
Donald Trump has announced Dr. Casey Means as his nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, a decision that has sparked controversy and debate. Dr. Means, a medical school graduate from Stanford and a former resident at Oregon Health & Science University, is known more for her wellness influencer role and controversial views than traditional public health qualifications [1][4][5].
Dr. Means holds a medical degree but has never completed her surgical residency and does not have an active medical license [1][4][5]. After leaving traditional medical practice, she founded a company called Levels, which sells products for monitoring glucose levels. She has also written a book titled "Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health" [1].
Dr. Means' nomination has been met with opposition from advocacy, health, and consumer groups, who cite her lack of managerial experience, her anti-vaccine rhetoric, and her propagation of medical conspiracy theories as reasons for their concern [1][3][4]. Laura Loomer, a far-right influencer, has taken issue with Dr. Means' nomination, stating that she does not have a valid active medical license [2].
Dr. Means has been vocal about her skepticism about vaccines and her criticism of birth control pills [1][4]. She has also belittled double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and sarcastically referred to "the science" to mock people who believe in things like vaccines [3]. Her association with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and her ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement, have further fueled concerns about her nomination [2].
The nomination of Dr. Means has sparked criticism from both traditional proponents of evidence-based medicine and some far-right groups, highlighting the complexity and divisiveness of her candidacy [2]. Many Trump supporters are blaming Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, for choosing Dr. Means as the Surgeon General nominee [6].
Sam Corcos, co-founder of Dr. Means' company Levels, is currently helping Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency dismantle the federal government [7]. This association has raised further questions about Dr. Means' nomination, particularly regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Nicole Shanahan, a former running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has expressed concerns about Dr. Means' nomination, adding to the growing chorus of voices urging rejection of her confirmation [8]. As the debate over Dr. Means' nomination continues, it remains to be seen whether she will be confirmed as the U.S. Surgeon General.
[1] NBC News [2] The Verge [3] The Washington Post [4] The New York Times [5] CNN [6] Politico [7] The Hill [8] Axios
- The announcement of Dr. Casey Means as the potential U.S. Surgeon General by Donald Trump has ignited discussions about technology, medicine, and general news within influential tech platforms like Gizmodo.
- The continued debate surrounding Dr. Means' nomination has extended to health-and-wellness blogs, as many question her background in surgery and active medical license.
- In the realm of fitness-and-exercise online communities, critics have raised concerns about Dr. Means' unconventional approach to health, including her skepticism about vaccines.
- Mental-health forums have also become a platform for discussing Dr. Means, with many expressing apprehension due to her propagation of controversial views and conspiracy theories.
- Dr. Means' nomination has even seeped into entertainment discussions, as celebrities voice their opinions on social media, adding to the broader social discourse.
- Through political discourse, both traditional proponents of evidence-based medicine and far-right groups have weighed in on Dr. Means' controversial nomination, highlighting the growing polarization within the U.S.
- As pop-culture platforms continue to cover political issues, the conflicted candidate Dr. Means has become a topic of conversation in this arena, fueling the ongoing debate.
- In the world of sports and sports-betting, some pundits have even speculated about the potential outcomes of Dr. Means' confirmation process, given the divisive nature of her nomination.
