In a series of social media posts Thursday, President Trump withdrew his nomination of Make America Health Again influencer Casey Means to be surgeon general, lashed out at Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) for Means’ stalled nomination in the Senate, then announced a new nominee: Nicole B. Saphier, a breast radiologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a Fox News contributor, and founder of an herbal supplement company who has questioned vaccines.
Trump’s abandonment of Means comes as no surprise. The nomination of the Stanford University-trained doctor has been stalled in the Senate since her February confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which Cassidy chairs. Afterward, it became clear that several Republican lawmakers, including Cassidy, had reservations about her nomination.
Doubts about Means
Specifically, concerns centered around her vaccine views and qualifications. Although she has a medical degree, she dropped out of her medical residency and does not hold an active license, which means, if confirmed, she would serve as the country’s top doctor without being able to practice medicine. During her hearing, she largely tried to skirt questions about vaccines, avoiding explicitly recommending lifesaving shots or contradicting the views of anti-vaccine Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Interesting development with Trump’s nomination. It’s always noteworthy to see how leadership changes can impact public health positions. Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds!
Absolutely, it’s fascinating to see how leadership changes can impact public health policies. The new nominee’s background in media might also influence how health information is communicated to the public.
You’re right; leadership changes can significantly influence public health initiatives. It’s interesting to consider how the new nominee’s views on healthcare might shape future policies, especially in areas like mental health and preventive care.