Former President Donald Trump has named Dr. Casey Means—an author, wellness influencer, and entrepreneur—as his latest choice for U.S. Surgeon General, replacing his original nominee just one day before scheduled confirmation hearings. The sudden shift comes amid controversy over the credentials of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Trump’s initial pick, and reflects the former president’s growing alignment with more alternative views on health and medicine.
So, who is Casey Means, and why is she suddenly in the spotlight? Here’s what we know.
From Doctor to Influencer
At 37, Dr. Casey Means brings an unconventional background to the role of Surgeon General. A Stanford University medical school graduate, she began her career in traditional medicine but later stepped away from her surgical residency to pursue what she calls a “systems-based approach to health.” Rather than treating symptoms, Means focuses on preventing disease through lifestyle changes and better nutrition.
She co-founded Levels, a metabolic health startup best known for its continuous glucose monitoring app. The company gained traction among wellness enthusiasts and tech-savvy consumers and helped cement her reputation as a voice in the emerging “metabolic health” movement.
Co-Author of a Viral Health Book
Dr. Means’ profile skyrocketed in 2024 after she co-authored Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health with her brother, Calley Means. The book champions the idea that many chronic illnesses—from obesity to diabetes to depression—are rooted in what they describe as a “toxic food system” and “profit-driven” healthcare practices.
The book quickly found a fanbase among conservative influencers and health skeptics alike, earning Dr. Means appearances on high-profile platforms such as The Joe Rogan Experience and Tucker Carlson Today. On Carlson’s podcast, she described the pharmaceutical industry as promoting long-term sickness for financial gain, saying, “They make us sick, but they don’t kill us. We’re drugged for life.”
Aligned With RFK Jr.’s Health Vision
Perhaps more telling than her media appearances is Dr. Means’ political alignment. She is an open supporter of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, which challenges the influence of pharmaceutical and food corporations on American health policy. Trump referenced these credentials directly when announcing her nomination, saying she “has impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials” and is the right person to “reverse the chronic disease epidemic.”
Means has previously posted about RFK Jr.’s vision for the future, saying it reflects what she wants for her “family, future children, and the world.”
What Happened to Trump’s First Pick?
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat was originally nominated by Trump but was abruptly removed from consideration just before her confirmation hearing. Reports surfaced that she may have misrepresented her medical background. While she claimed a degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, it was later revealed that her medical degree came from the American University of the Caribbean, though she did complete her residency in Arkansas.
She also faced mounting pressure from Trump-aligned voices like far-right commentator Laura Loomer, who criticized her stance on COVID-19 vaccines and questioned her overall suitability for the position.
Trump has since stated that Nesheiwat will still have a role in the health department, though no specific position has been confirmed.
What’s Next?
If confirmed, Dr. Casey Means would become the nation’s top public health spokesperson and play a key role in shaping policy on chronic illness, preventive medicine, and national health priorities. Her appointment signals a clear shift away from traditional public health institutions and toward a growing movement that questions mainstream nutrition, medicine, and pharmaceutical influence.
For now, the nomination is expected to stir both support and criticism—especially as it blends politics, health entrepreneurship, and influencer culture in an unprecedented way. Whether she makes it through Senate confirmation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Dr. Casey Means is no ordinary Surgeon General nominee.