Trump withdraws Casey Means nomination for surgeon general
The Trump administration has decided to withdraw Casey Means’ nomination for the position of surgeon general and instead nominate Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and Fox News contributor. This move comes as a setback for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which had been advocating for Means’ confirmation. However, Saphier shares some similarities with MAHA, such as an interest in personal wellness and a skepticism of vaccine mandates.
The decision to change the nominee reflects the challenges faced by President Trump in getting Senate approval for his health agenda. The administration has also nominated a health official to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who is awaiting Senate review.
President Trump announced the nomination change on social media and blamed Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) for blocking Means’ confirmation. Cassidy, who leads the committee responsible for nominees for surgeon general, was called “disloyal” by Trump for his actions. Kennedy, who has expressed concerns about vaccine policies, also criticized Cassidy for sabotaging Means’ nomination.
Cassidy declined to comment on Trump’s remarks when asked by reporters, and the Senate health committee stated that Means did not have the necessary support for confirmation. Means, who attended medical school but did not complete her residency, faced criticism for her lack of a medical license and experience in treating patients.
On the other hand, Saphier is a practicing physician at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the director of breast imaging at MSK Monmouth in New Jersey. She has advocated for legislation requiring doctors to inform patients about dense breast tissue, which can affect cancer detection. Saphier has also served on the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women.
Regarding vaccines, Saphier opposes mandates but acknowledges the positive impact of vaccination. She has emphasized the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases and has encouraged the use of the MMR vaccine. Saphier has also called for further research into vaccine safety signals to restore public confidence in vaccinations.
Some MAHA leaders have expressed support for Saphier’s nomination, hoping that she will bring reason to public health policy. Saphier’s book, “Make America Healthy Again: How Bad Behavior and Big Government Caused a Trillion-Dollar Crisis,” advocates for individual responsibility in improving the nation’s health.
In conclusion, the nomination of Nicole Saphier as the new surgeon general nominee reflects the ongoing challenges in the confirmation process for health officials. Saphier’s background in radiology and advocacy for individual wellness may bring a unique perspective to the role of surgeon general. It remains to be seen how her nomination will be received by the Senate and the public health community.
