Biden's Surgeon General Nominee Faces Tough Questions

Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, faces scrutiny over her views on vaccines, birth control, and qualifications

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Wellness influencer and entrepreneur Dr. Casey Means faced sharp questioning from senators during her confirmation hearing to become the next U.S. Surgeon General. Senators grilled Means on her past comments about vaccines, birth control, and her unconventional career path, raising concerns about her ability to lead the nation's public health efforts.

Why it matters

The Surgeon General is a key public health leader, responsible for advising Americans on critical issues. Means' nomination has drawn scrutiny due to her untraditional background and past statements that contradict established medical consensus, raising questions about whether she is fit to serve in this important role.

The details

During the hearing, Means shared her vision for addressing the root causes of chronic disease, but senators pressed her on topics that have become politically divisive, such as her views on vaccines and hormonal birth control. Means did not make a firm commitment to advising Americans to get vaccinated against diseases like the flu and measles, and she expressed concerns about the "side effects" of birth control pills. Senators also questioned Means' qualifications, noting her lack of government experience and the fact that her medical license is not currently active.

  • The confirmation hearing took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Dr. Casey Means

A 38-year-old wellness influencer, author, and entrepreneur who has been nominated to serve as the next U.S. Surgeon General.

Sen. Bernie Sanders

The independent senator from Vermont and ranking member of the Senate health committee, who expressed serious concerns about Means' ability to serve as Surgeon General.

Sen. Bill Cassidy

The Republican senator from Louisiana who chairs the Senate health committee and questioned Means about her views on vaccines.

Dr. Rich Carmona

A former Surgeon General under the Bush administration who has publicly suggested that Means is not fit for the job.

Dr. Jerome Adams

The Surgeon General during the Trump administration, who has stated that the role requires a medical license, which Means currently does not have.

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What they’re saying

“I have very serious questions about the ability of Dr. Means to be the kind of surgeon general this country needs.”

— Sen. Bernie Sanders, Ranking member of the Senate health committee (wbal.com)

“Doctors do not have enough time for a thorough informed consent conversation.”

— Dr. Casey Means (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Senate health committee will next consider whether to advance Means' nomination, which would then go to a vote in the full Senate.

The takeaway

Means' nomination has raised concerns about her ability to effectively lead the nation's public health efforts, given her untraditional background, past statements that contradict medical consensus, and lack of government experience. The confirmation process will likely continue to scrutinize her qualifications and fitness for the Surgeon General role.