Trump's Former Surgeon General Opposes New Nominee

Jerome Adams seeks to block Trump's pick for next Surgeon General, Dr. Casey Means

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:59pm

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Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who served under President Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now trying to stop Trump's nominee for the next Surgeon General, Dr. Casey Means, from being confirmed. The move has been described as an 'ironic' twist, with the nation's former top doctor working to keep the new nominee from joining the public health corps.

Why it matters

The Surgeon General plays a critical role in leading the nation's public health agenda and response to major crises. Adams' opposition to Means raises questions about potential divisions within the Republican party and the Trump administration over the direction of federal health policy.

The details

Adams, who served as Surgeon General from 2017 to 2021, has been vocal in his criticism of Means, Trump's pick to succeed him. Means is a functional medicine doctor who has promoted controversial alternative health treatments. Adams has argued that Means' views are not aligned with mainstream medical consensus, and that her nomination could undermine public trust in the Surgeon General's office.

  • Adams served as Surgeon General from 2017 to 2021, during the Trump administration.
  • Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means as the next Surgeon General in February 2026.

The players

Jerome Adams

The former U.S. Surgeon General who served under President Trump from 2017 to 2021.

Dr. Casey Means

Trump's nominee to be the next U.S. Surgeon General, a functional medicine doctor who has promoted alternative health treatments.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who appointed Jerome Adams as Surgeon General and has now nominated Dr. Casey Means to succeed him.

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What they’re saying

“The irony would be the nation's doctor wouldn't even be in the corps as a doctor,”

— Jerome Adams, Former U.S. Surgeon General

What’s next

The Senate will hold confirmation hearings on Dr. Casey Means' nomination in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This clash between the former and potential future Surgeon Generals highlights the ongoing debate within the Republican party over the role of mainstream medicine versus alternative treatments. It also raises concerns about potential political interference in the traditionally non-partisan Surgeon General's office.