The nomination of Casey Means, MD, to be US Surgeon General has stalled after a Senate hearing. Senators from both major political parties have criticized her for her lack of experience and stance on vaccines and other health topics. Means is a wellness influencer and leader of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which is supported by Donald Trump. President Trump nominated her on May 7, 2025, on the recommendation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after withdrawing the previous candidate. At a February 25, 2026 hearing before the HELP committee, she promised to fight chronic disease with diet and lifestyle changes instead of reactive medicine. He has no active medical license or government experience and has faced criticism for financial ties to health products without disclosing conflicts. Former surgeons general such as Richard Carmona and Jerome Adams have questioned her qualifications.[](https://www.medpagetoday.com/washington-watch/washington-watch/114682)