In a series of social media posts, President Trump withdrew his nomination of Casey Means, a controversial figure with ties to the ‘Make America Health Again’ movement, for the role of surgeon general. Instead, he nominated Nicole B. Saphier, another Fox News contributor known for questioning vaccines and running an herbal supplement company.

Means's stalled nomination in the Senate had already raised eyebrows due to concerns about her vaccine views and qualifications. Although she has a medical degree, she dropped out of her medical residency and does not hold an active license, meaning if confirmed, she would serve without being able to practice medicine. Her confirmation hearing saw her dodge questions on vaccines.

Since leaving the medical field, Means has built a successful career as a wellness influencer, promoting a range of dubious health products in a bid to peddle what some call the ‘MAHA bible’. Abandoning her nomination, Trump lashed out at Senator Bill Cassidy, calling him 'a very disloyal person' who had stood in the way of his nominee.

The shift in nominations suggests that political influence may play a significant role in the selection process for such high-ranking positions. With Saphier’s background and connections to conservative media outlets, observers wonder if the surgeon general will become a figurehead focused more on promoting certain health views rather than traditional medical practices.