Casey Means' surgeon general nomination is stalled

PBS NewsHour
by Ali Swenson, Associated Press
March 25, 2026
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Casey Means' nomination as surgeon general remains stalled despite White House support.

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Casey Means' nomination as surgeon general remains stalled despite White House efforts and backing from Make America Healthy Again activists, signaling resistance to her appointment on Capitol Hill. Means, a cardiac surgeon and prominent advocate for health policy reform, has faced resistance that reflects deeper congressional disagreement over the direction of health policy even as lawmakers have generally deferred to Trump on other nominations. The stalled nomination reveals fractures within Republican ranks and among health policy experts over Means' proposed approach to healthcare, particularly around her advocacy positions on diet, nutrition, and metabolic health. The delay contrasts sharply with Trump's success in moving most of his cabinet picks through the Senate, underscoring how contentious health policy remains as a legislative priority. Without Senate confirmation, Means cannot assume the surgeon general role, and the White House continues pushing for her confirmation.

What's Being Done

The White House continues pushing for Means' Senate confirmation; the stalled nomination contrasts with Trump's success moving most cabinet picks through.

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