Surgeon General Nominee Faces Scrutiny on Vaccines, Autism, and Psychedelics

Dr. Casey Means addressed concerns from senators on a range of health issues during her confirmation hearing.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Surgeon General nominee Dr. Casey Means appeared before a Senate panel and faced questions on her views regarding vaccines, the potential link between vaccines and autism, and the use of psychedelics for mental health treatment. Means expressed support for vaccines but also emphasized the importance of informed consent, and said more research is needed on the causes of the rising autism rates. She also acknowledged the emerging science around psychedelics but said she would not recommend their use as a public health official. Means also addressed concerns about her promotion of certain products and her inactive medical license.

Why it matters

The Surgeon General is a high-profile public health position, and Means' views on these sensitive topics could have a significant impact on public health policy and messaging. Her nomination has drawn scrutiny from both sides of the aisle, highlighting the ongoing debates around vaccines, autism, and the use of psychedelics.

The details

During the hearing, Means faced questions from senators on a range of health issues. She expressed support for vaccines, saying they save lives, but also emphasized the importance of informed consent and having conversations with doctors. Senators pressed her to endorse specific vaccines, including the hepatitis B shot for newborns. Means also acknowledged the increase in autism rates and said the administration is funding research into potential environmental factors, including vaccines. However, she noted that the evidence does not show a clear link between vaccines and autism. Senators also questioned Means about her past promotion of psychedelics for mental health treatment, and she clarified that she would not recommend their use as a public health official. Additionally, Means addressed concerns about her inactive medical license and allegations that she failed to properly disclose financial relationships with companies whose products she promoted.

  • The hearing was delayed from October 2025, when Means went into labor shortly before she was due to appear.
  • Means graduated from Stanford Medical School in 2014.

The players

Dr. Casey Means

The nominee for Surgeon General, a 38-year-old physician who has drawn scrutiny for her views on vaccines, autism, and psychedelics.

Sen. Roger Marshall

A Republican senator who said Means "brings a forward-thinking vision focused on prevention, innovation, and patient empowerment" and is "poised to shift us from reactive sick care to proactive health care, emphasizing metabolic health, to truly make America healthy again."

Sen. Bill Cassidy

The Republican chair of the Senate health panel who questioned Means on her views regarding vaccines.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health Secretary who told reporters that "we've been waiting a long time for Dr. Means to come on board" and that "she has an extraordinary capacity to communicate to the American people."

Sen. Chris Murphy

A Democratic senator who raised concerns about Means' failure to properly disclose financial relationships with companies whose products she promoted.

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What they’re saying

“I believe vaccines save lives. I believe they're an important part of public health. I also do not want to not encourage patients to not have a conversation with their doctor. I think it's incredibly important. And informed consent is going to be a big part of building trust in public health.”

— Dr. Casey Means, Surgeon General Nominee (The Epoch Times)

“We have an autism crisis that is increasing, and this is devastating to many families. We do not know as a medical community what causes autism. The administration has just committed a huge amount of funding to looking at environmental factors that could be contributing to autism. Until we have a clear understanding about why kids are developing this at higher rates, we should not leave any stones unturned.”

— Dr. Casey Means, Surgeon General Nominee (The Epoch Times)

“When it comes to psychedelic therapy for mental health issues, I think the science is still emerging, so it would not be a recommendation to the American people to do that.”

— Dr. Casey Means, Surgeon General Nominee (The Epoch Times)

What’s next

The Senate Health Committee will now consider whether to advance Means' nomination to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote.

The takeaway

Means' nomination has sparked debate over her views on sensitive health topics like vaccines, autism, and psychedelics. Her confirmation process will likely continue to be closely watched, as the Surgeon General plays a crucial role in shaping public health policy and messaging.