Senate Hearing Delayed for Trump's Surgeon General Nominee

The Senate hearing for Casey Means, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the role of surgeon general, has been postponed as she has gone into labor with her first child. This unexpected turn of events means that Means, who was set to make history as the first nominee to participate in a Senate hearing virtually, will be unable to attend the scheduled session.

The hearing was initially planned for Thursday, just two days after her due date, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke with CNN. As of now, there is no indication of when the rescheduled hearing will take place.

In a statement to The Guardian, Emily Hilliard, the press secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), expressed joy for Dr. Means and her family, stating, "Everyone is happy for Dr. Means and her family. This is one of the few times in life when it’s easy to ask to move a Senate hearing."

Casey Means was nominated by Trump in May to fill the role of US surgeon general, marking his second attempt to appoint someone to this position, often referred to as “the nation’s doctor.” Her nomination came after the abrupt withdrawal of Trump’s first pick, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, whose confirmation hearing was scrapped in light of right-wing criticism regarding her qualifications.

At 38 years old, Means is a medical entrepreneur based in Los Angeles who gained traction within conservative wellness circles for her critiques of conventional medical practices and her advocacy for reforming the nation’s food supply. She authored the bestselling book Good Energy and is a prominent figure in the "Make America Healthy Again" (Maha) movement.

Trump has publicly endorsed Means, stating that she possesses "impeccable 'Maha' credentials" and praised her academic accomplishments and professional experience, suggesting that she could potentially become one of the finest surgeon generals in US history. In a statement following her nomination, Trump remarked, "I don’t know her. I listened to the recommendation of Bobby."

Means, who is trained at Stanford Medicine, has been a proponent of holistic health principles, emphasizing the importance of whole and natural foods, physical activity, and reducing reliance on pharmaceutical solutions for chronic health issues. She has also advocated for the potential benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin for mental health treatment, criticized the extensive use of pesticides, and raised concerns about the long-term implications of hormonal birth control.

Both Casey Means and her brother, former lobbyist Calley Means, have played significant advisory roles in Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign for 2024, where they helped facilitate his endorsement of Trump last summer. The Means siblings have appeared alongside some of Trump's most prominent supporters, garnering attention from influential conservative figures such as Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan. Calley Means now serves as a White House adviser and frequently appears on television to discuss various topics, including restrictions on SNAP benefits and proposals to eliminate fluoride from drinking water, aligning with the Maha agenda.

The delay of the Senate hearing for Casey Means highlights the intertwining of personal milestones and political processes within the Trump administration. As the nation’s health landscape continues to evolve, the eventual confirmation of Means could signal significant changes in public health policy, particularly concerning holistic and alternative health practices. Observers will be keen to see how the Senate addresses her nomination once the hearing is rescheduled.