President Donald Trump has officially withdrawn the nomination of Dr. Casey Means for U.S. Surgeon General, a position that had been stalled in the Senate confirmation process. In her place, Trump has chosen Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and prominent conservative media commentator, as his new pick for the nation's top doctor.
Background on Casey Means
Dr. Casey Means, a former Stanford-trained physician and health advocate, had faced significant opposition from Senate Democrats and some Republicans due to her outspoken views on public health and vaccine policies. Her confirmation hearing on February 25, 2026, before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee was contentious, with lawmakers questioning her stance on COVID-19 mandates and her ties to alternative medicine groups. The nomination had languished in committee for months without a vote.
Nicole Saphier's Profile
Dr. Nicole Saphier is a board-certified radiologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and a frequent contributor to Fox News. She has authored books on cancer prevention and has been an outspoken advocate for patient-centered care. Saphier has also been critical of government overreach in healthcare, aligning with Trump's deregulatory agenda. Her nomination is expected to face less resistance from Republicans, though Democrats may scrutinize her media appearances and political affiliations.
Reactions and Next Steps
The White House confirmed the change in a statement Thursday, praising Saphier as a "highly respected physician and communicator." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer indicated that Saphier's nomination would receive a fair hearing but noted that her views on reproductive health and vaccine mandates would be closely examined. The American Medical Association has not yet issued a formal statement on the new pick.
If confirmed, Saphier would succeed Dr. Vivek Murthy, who served under the Biden administration. The Surgeon General position has become increasingly politicized in recent years, with nominees facing intense scrutiny over their public health philosophies.
Broader Context
The withdrawal of Means' nomination marks another chapter in Trump's ongoing efforts to reshape federal health agencies. Earlier this week, Trump authorized a new pipeline from Canada to the U.S., drawing both support and criticism. Meanwhile, other news includes Apple beating earnings estimates, the S&P/TSX composite closing higher, and a recall of hundreds of children's toys in Canada.
