President Donald Trump has withdrawn his nomination of Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General, citing stalled progress in the Senate. Trump's administration has now put forward Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and frequent Fox News contributor, as his third choice for the influential public health post. Means's nomination had faltered since a February confirmation hearing, where concerns arose regarding her views on vaccines and her departure from surgical residency.
Saphier, described by Trump as a "STAR physician" and "INCREDIBLE COMMUNICATOR," holds a position as Director of Breast Imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New Jersey. She also serves on a CDC advisory committee and has a history as a Fox News medical expert since 2018. Saphier is also an author and hosts a podcast.
The abrupt change marks the latest twist in Trump's pursuit of a Surgeon General. Means's nomination followed that of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, another former Fox News medical contributor, whose bid was also withdrawn last year, reportedly after criticism from right-wing figures. This pattern suggests a repeated engagement with individuals prominent in conservative media circles for critical health roles.
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The Surgeon General position, a key spokesperson for national public health initiatives, has seen a turbulent nomination process under Trump. Both Means and Nesheiwat's paths to confirmation encountered significant obstacles, highlighting potential friction between the White House's selections and the vetting procedures of the Senate.
