The Make America Healthy Again movement has been gaining momentum as a disruptive force in the realm of mainstream medicine, with Casey Means emerging as one of its prominent figures. Nominated by President Trump to serve as the U.S. surgeon general, Means, a former doctor turned wellness influencer, was set to have her confirmation hearing last October. However, she went into labor just hours before the session was scheduled to begin.
In her prepared remarks for the rescheduled hearing, Means, now a mother and a staunch advocate for holistic health, emphasized the urgent need to address the chronic health crisis facing Americans. She highlighted the importance of transparency, support, and a focus on prevention and disease reversal. Means praised both the president and health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., endorsing federal initiatives aimed at promoting whole, healthy food, reducing harmful chemical exposure, and holding institutions accountable for measurable health outcomes.
Kennedy’s support for Means and her brother, Calley Means, dates back to 2024 when Calley joined the Trump transition team. Both siblings have faced criticism for their questioning of established medical practices, including their views on raw milk, in vitro fertilization, and the birth control pill. While Casey has not publicly disavowed Kennedy’s comments on vaccines, she has called for more research on the impact of childhood vaccine doses on children’s health.
Democratic senators are expected to scrutinize Means on these positions during her confirmation hearing, with some public health groups expressing concerns about her qualifications. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, labeled Means as an unqualified wellness influencer and lifestyle blogger, questioning her ability to serve as the nation’s doctor.
In her remarks, Means highlighted her academic background and her transition from traditional medicine to functional medicine, focusing on holistic approaches to care. She co-founded a health-tech company called Levels, which aims to empower individuals with metabolic health data to address blood sugar dysregulation. Means emphasized the importance of personal empowerment, culture change, and policy reform in reversing chronic disease.
As Means navigates the confirmation process, questions remain about her ties to the supplement industry through Levels and how her role as chief medical officer may impact her potential role as surgeon general. Despite the controversy surrounding her nomination, Means remains steadfast in her belief that addressing the root causes of illness can lead to a healthier society overall.
