President Donald Trump announced on Thursday via social media that he was withdrawing the nomination of Casey Means, a prominent figure in the Make America Health Again movement, for the position of U.S. surgeon general. In a series of posts, Trump also criticized Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, for delaying Means' confirmation.
Following the withdrawal, Trump introduced a new nominee: Nicole B. Saphier, a breast radiologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a Fox News contributor, and the founder of an herbal supplement company. Saphier has previously expressed skepticism about vaccines.
Why Was Casey Means' Nomination Withdrawn?
Means' nomination had been stalled in the Senate since her February confirmation hearing before the Senate HELP Committee. Concerns arose among Republican lawmakers, including Cassidy, regarding her qualifications and views on vaccines.
Key Concerns About Casey Means
- Lack of Active Medical License: Although Means holds a medical degree, she dropped out of her residency and does not possess an active medical license. If confirmed, she would serve as the nation's top doctor without the ability to practice medicine.
- Vaccine Stance: During her hearing, Means avoided directly addressing vaccine-related questions. She did not explicitly endorse lifesaving vaccines or contradict the views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the anti-vaccine Health Secretary.
Who Is Nicole B. Saphier?
Nicole B. Saphier is a breast radiologist affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a frequent contributor on Fox News. She is also the founder of an herbal supplement company. Her nomination comes as Trump seeks to fill the surgeon general position amid ongoing debates over public health policy.
Saphier's views on vaccines have raised questions about her alignment with traditional public health guidelines. Her nomination will likely face scrutiny in the Senate, particularly from lawmakers concerned about her stance on vaccination.
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