GOP Senators Express Doubts About Trump's Surgeon General Pick

Casey Means Means faces unexpected resistance from key Republicans over her evasive responses on vaccine safety.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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President Donald Trump's nominee for surgeon general, Casey Means Means, is facing unexpected headwinds from key Senate Republicans who are troubled by her evasive responses on vaccine safety during confirmation hearings. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins have both expressed serious concerns about Means' positions, indicating that she may struggle to gain the necessary Republican support to be confirmed.

Why it matters

The surgeon general plays a critical role in public health policy, and Means' perceived skepticism towards vaccines could undermine confidence in the nation's vaccination programs. This rare crack in Republican unity over a Trump health nominee highlights the political sensitivity around vaccine issues.

The details

During her confirmation hearings, Means refused to unequivocally endorse vaccines, instead telling the Senate Health Committee that individuals "should consult their doctors" and that she is "supportive of vaccination." This ambiguous language has raised red flags for Republican senators like Murkowski and Collins, who have indicated they have outstanding questions and concerns about Means' positions. Committee Chair Bill Cassidy also pressed Means repeatedly on her vaccine recommendations, though he has not revealed his voting position.

  • Means faced her confirmation hearings in early 2026.
  • The Senate Health Committee is expected to vote on Means' nomination in the coming weeks.

The players

Casey Means Means

President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. Surgeon General.

Lisa Murkowski

Republican Senator from Alaska who has expressed serious concerns about Means' responses on vaccine safety.

Susan Collins

Republican Senator from Maine who has not yet decided how she will vote on Means' nomination and has sent additional questions to the nominee.

Bill Cassidy

Republican Senator from Louisiana who chairs the Senate Health Committee and has pressed Means on her vaccine recommendations.

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What they’re saying

“I have some follow-on questions about some of the statements that she made when I was in the committee room about vaccines.”

— Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator (Axios)

“If I was [satisfied with her responses], then I wouldn't want to go back and see the responses to the other questions.”

— Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator (Axios)

“I haven't made a decision [on how to vote].”

— Susan Collins, U.S. Senator (Axios)

What’s next

The Senate Health Committee is expected to vote on Means' nomination in the coming weeks, and her path forward remains uncertain given the Republican concerns expressed so far.

The takeaway

Means' perceived skepticism towards vaccines has created a rare crack in otherwise lockstep Republican support for Trump's health nominees, highlighting the political sensitivity around public health issues like vaccination policy.