Dr. Casey Means, Trump’s surgeon general nominee, has hearing delayed

Casey Means, President Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, has had her confirmation hearing postponed due to going into labor. The hearing, which was scheduled for Thursday morning, was expected to be a contentious one, with Democrats planning to question Means about her ties to a wellness company she co-founded and her promotion of supplements online and on podcasts.

Means, a health entrepreneur who left her residency program in Oregon in 2018, had promised to resign from the company, Levels Health, Inc., and stop promoting wellness products while serving as surgeon general. However, Democrats on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) were likely to focus on these sources of income during her hearing.

In a letter addressed to Means, Senators Andy Kim and Elizabeth Warren expressed concerns about her financial ties to wellness companies and the potential for conflicts of interest. Warren, in a statement to ABC News, questioned whether Means would prioritize the health of Americans over special interests.

Senator Kim, who sits on the HELP Committee, emphasized the importance of having a surgeon general who puts the health and wellness of the public first. He expressed concern about Means’ potential conflicts of interest and the impact they could have on her decision-making.

During a meeting with Democratic staffers on Monday, Means reportedly became defensive when questioned about her financial conflicts. She pointed to former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s consulting work for Carnival Cruise Line before his nomination in 2021, suggesting that Democrats had not challenged him in the same way.

Senator Tammy Baldwin, who was informed by her staff about the meeting, expressed concerns about Means’ responsiveness to staff questions and her willingness to prioritize politics and financial interests over public health. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services disputed this characterization, stating that Means had engaged openly with senators from both parties and was focused on preparing for her confirmation hearing.

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding her nomination, Means remains committed to engaging with senators from both parties and advancing the administration’s public health priorities. Her confirmation hearing will likely be rescheduled once she has given birth and is able to participate. Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and the chair of the HELP Committee, expressed his anticipation for a productive hearing scheduled for Thursday. According to a spokesperson for Cassidy, the senator is eager to engage in discussions with Dr. Means regarding her plans to fulfill President Trump’s goal of implementing radical transparency and rebuilding trust in our healthcare institutions.

Fellow Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama also praised Dr. Means for her medical expertise, stating, “I think that she’ll give some great advice — that’s what she does, give advice to the president.” Tuberville emphasized the need for guidance in addressing issues related to food, vaccines, and overall healthcare, expressing confidence in Dr. Means’ ability to offer valuable insights from a different perspective.

Despite some reservations expressed by Democrats, Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado echoed Tuberville’s sentiments of support for Dr. Means. Hickenlooper shared that he had a positive meeting with Dr. Means earlier in the week and found her to be an intriguing individual with a unique background. He eagerly anticipates hearing her insights during the upcoming hearing.

In conclusion, the upcoming hearing presents an opportunity for fruitful discussions on crucial healthcare issues, with Dr. Means poised to offer valuable perspectives and guidance. The diverse range of opinions and perspectives among senators sets the stage for a robust and informative dialogue that could potentially shape future healthcare policies and initiatives.