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NewsPBS NewsHourMay 2, 2026United States

President Trump Nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier for Surgeon General

President Trump has nominated radiologist and former Fox News contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier to serve as U.S. Surgeon General. This nomination follows the withdrawal of Dr. Casey Means, whose confirmation process stalled in the Senate. Saphier is known for supporting parts of the 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda while maintaining a more vocal stance in favor of vaccination than some other administration allies.

Surgeon GeneralPresidential AppointmentsPublic HealthVaccination PolicyMake America Healthy Again
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Why It Matters

The serves as the nation's leading spokesperson on public health, and if confirmed, Dr. Saphier would be responsible for issuing official health advisories and shaping public discourse on issues like vaccination and chronic disease.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Nicole Saphier is the new nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, replacing Dr. Casey Means.
  • Dr. Saphier is a radiologist and currently serves as the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth.
  • She holds a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed fellowships at the Mayo Clinic.
  • Saphier has publicly supported aspects of the 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda, including dietary changes and exercise.
  • Unlike some administration figures, Saphier has been a vocal advocate for vaccination.
  • Saphier has previously criticized specific administration health actions, including a flawed MAHA report and the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez.
  • She has questioned the universal birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and COVID-19 school vaccine mandates.
  • Saphier authored a 2020 book titled 'Make America Healthy Again' and created a line of herbal supplements called Drop Rx.
  • The Surgeon General role does not create vaccine policy but is empowered to issue public health advisories.

Who's Mentioned

personDana Smetherman“President of the American College of Radiology”personSusan Monarez“Former CDC Director”organizationRoss University School of Medicine“Alma mater of Dr. Saphier”personJanette Nesheiwat“Initial surgeon general pick”organizationMemorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth“Employer of Dr. Saphier”organizationFox News Channel“Former employer of Dr. Saphier”personCasey Means“Former nominee for U.S. Surgeon General”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Health Secretary”personJay Bhattacharya“Acting CDC Director”personAlex Clark“Turning Point USA podcaster”organizationTurning Point USA“." At least a few prominent MAHA influencers have suggested Saphier is no ally. ”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”personNicole Saphier“Nominee for U.S. Surgeon General”