Casey Means does not have an active medical license.
Surgeon General Nod For Trump Pick Casey Means Stalled Over Glaring Snag in Medical Credentials
March 27 2026, Published 9:37 a.m. ET
It appears that President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” push is stumbling right out of the gate. His pick for Surgeon General, Casey Means, faces two intertwined roadblocks: faltering Grand Old Party (GOP) Senate support and a glaring gap in her credentials — no active medical license. With senators grilling her experience, confirmation looks increasingly unlikely.
Means’ Nomination in Limbo Over Inactive Medical License
According to the Los Angeles Times, Means, a wellness influencer, has been nominated as U.S. Surgeon General. However, the nomination has stalled after senators from both parties lambasted her stances on vaccines and other health topics.
Despite support from Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., senators are holding back on confirmation. Lawmakers might have been open to Means as she is a Stanford-educated physician, but she grew skeptical of traditional medicine during her program and dropped out.
A video posted on X shows Casey Means sharing her opinion on birth control.
Senator Lisa Murkowski told the media that she still has questions for the wellness influencer. “I’m just in the same spot,” she said, referring to her hesitations about Means’ nomination.
White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that Trump had productive conversations with the Senate about Means. He remarked that the 38-year-old’s “elite academic credentials, research background and advocacy on America’s chronic disease epidemic will make her a critical asset for President Trump’s push to Make America Healthy Again.”
Even then, Means’ nomination as surgeon general remains in limbo.
Lawmakers Share Their Stance on Means’ Nomination
According to a Los Angeles Times report, Means faces a contentious hearing over her controversial ideas, which have gained traction in the "Make America Healthy Again" movement. Senators have grilled Means on her public stance on vaccines. Specifically, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy pressed her about the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.
As per a separate Journal report, Senator Thom Tillis said he is leaning toward a “no” on Means' confirmation as surgeon general. Likewise, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said that he plans to vote against the influencer due to her anti-vaccine stance.
Though she called the hepatitis B vaccine “important and lifesaving,” Means suggested that parents should make their own decisions with their doctors. The Los Angeles Times also reported that Kennedy’s supporters are pressuring senators with repeated calls.
Despite the fact that the law does not require surgeon generals to hold an active medical license, senators continue to voice doubts. Notably, Tillis said that Means’ resume has put him on alert, and he believes that she will find no favors in her hearing.