President Donald J. Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday to criticize Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) for blocking the confirmation of Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General. Trump called Cassidy “a very disloyal person” who received his endorsement for election but later voted to impeach him on what Trump termed a “total Hoax and Scam.”
Trump nominated Means, a wellness advocate and “strong MAHA Warrior,” at the recommendation of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The post highlighted Means’ focus on health issues including the rising childhood disease epidemic, increased autism rates, poor nutrition, over-medicalization, and infertility causes. Trump stated Means “will continue to fight for MAHA” despite Cassidy’s “intransigence and political games.”
Cassidy, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led Means’ February 26 confirmation hearing where he confronted her on vaccine safety, autism claims, and public health views. The hearing featured tense exchanges, with Cassidy warning against misinformation. No committee vote has occurred since, stalling the nomination amid doubts from senators like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.
Means, 38, a physician-turned-influencer and author, aligns with Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative targeting chronic diseases. Trump nominated her in May 2025 after withdrawing Janette Nesheiwat. The White House urged swift Senate action in March, but Cassidy provided no timeline post-Easter recess.
Trump’s post praised Means’ service: “Casey, thank you for your service to our Nation!” The nomination faces resistance from the medical community over her non-traditional credentials. Means testified on evidence-based practices and patient choice but drew scrutiny on vaccines.
As of today, Means’ path to confirmation remains uncertain without Cassidy’s support. The Surgeon General role influences public health messaging on issues like smoking, AIDS, and mental health historically. Trump emphasized Means’ potential collaboration with Kennedy on reversing chronic disease trends.
Cassidy’s past impeachment vote in Trump’s first term underscores the rift. The White House engaged senators on Means’ “academic credentials and advocacy.” No full Senate vote is scheduled pending HELP Committee approval.