President Donald Trump has withdrawn his nomination of Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General, citing a stalled confirmation process in the Senate. He announced Wednesday he will instead put forth Dr. Nicole Saphier for the role. This marks Trump's third attempt to fill the Surgeon General position during his second term.
The decision to move away from Means followed a contentious confirmation hearing where senators from both parties questioned her experience and views on vaccines. Doubts about her ability to gain Senate approval grew after these exchanges. Saphier, a Fox News Channel contributor, has been highlighted by Trump as a physician with a career focused on guiding breast cancer patients.
This shift represents a setback for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who had supported Means for the position. Means' nomination had been championed by Kennedy and his movement, despite her less conventional medical background and past comments regarding vaccines and other health matters.
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The role of Surgeon General also involves leadership within the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, an organization dedicated to public health promotion.
Trump's previous nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, also had her nomination withdrawn last year shortly before a scheduled Senate hearing.
