NewsFox News PoliticsMay 4, 2026United States
Trump Nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier for Surgeon General Following Withdrawal of Casey Means
President Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Casey Means for U.S. Surgeon General and replaced her with radiologist and Fox News contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier. The change has caused significant internal disagreement within the 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement regarding the new nominee's stance on vaccines and medical policy.
Read the full story at Fox News PoliticsWhy It Matters
The serves as the nation's leading spokesperson on public health, and this appointment will determine the federal government's official approach to vaccine policy, chronic disease management, and medical freedom initiatives.
Key Facts
- President Trump withdrew the nomination of Casey Means for U.S. Surgeon General on Thursday.
- Dr. Nicole Saphier was announced as the new nominee for Surgeon General.
- The confirmation process for Casey Means was stalled due to concerns regarding her qualifications, views on vaccines, and her pregnancy.
- Sources indicate the Means nomination was withdrawn because it lacked sufficient support for Senate confirmation.
- MAHA activists, including Alex Clark and Vani Hari, have publicly criticized the selection of Dr. Saphier, citing her pro-vaccine record.
- Dr. Robert Malone described Saphier as 'moderate-MAHA,' noting she supports parental autonomy on vaccine schedules but is not an anti-vaccine voice.
- White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated Saphier has been an outspoken voice against COVID-19 mandates and the politicization of science.
- The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee, chaired by Sen. Bill Cassidy, is responsible for the confirmation process.
Who's Mentioned
personRobert Malone“Medical researcher and supporter of the MAHA movement.”personCasey Means“Physician and former Surgeon General nominee whose nomination was withdrawn.”personBill Cassidy“U.S. Senator (R-La.) and Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pen”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Secretary of Health and Human Services and leader of the MAHA movement.”personVani Hari“MAHA activist known as 'Food Babe'.”personAlex Clark“Turning Point USA podcaster and MAHA activist.”organizationTurning Point USA“t pro-life testimony, but she gets an F when it comes to all things MAHA," said ”personDonald Trump“President of the United States who nominated both Means and Saphier.”personNicole Saphier“Radiologist, former Fox News contributor, and current nominee for Surgeon Genera”