Trump Withdraws Casey Means Surgeon General Nomination, Names Dr. Nicole Saphier
President Trump withdrew the controversial nomination of Dr. Casey Means for surgeon general and announced a new nominee, radiologist Dr. Nicole Saphier, a frequent Fox News contributor. The move ends months of uncertainty over confirmation prospects.
Change in Surgeon General Nominee
New Nominee Announced: Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New Jersey, is Trump's new pick for the position of U.S. surgeon general. She replaces Dr. Casey Means after the administration withdrew her nomination.
Background: Saphier has regularly appeared as a medical contributor on Fox News and authored a 2020 book titled "Make America Healthy Again"—a phrase that became the slogan for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s movement.
Prior Nominee's Struggles: Means faced a contentious confirmation hearing in February where she fielded extensive questioning about controversial statements, including views on hormonal birth control and vaccines. Democrats had also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest related to her promotion of dietary supplements.
Her Positions: Saphier has written critically about hormonal birth control, suggesting it comes with "horrifying health risks." She has also suggested without evidence that cumulative childhood vaccines may contribute to autism.
Path Forward: If confirmed by the Senate, Saphier would become the nation's top doctor with authority to issue health advisories for the entire country.