Senate postpones hearing for Trump’s surgeon general pick after she goes into labor | Trump administration

The Senate hearing for Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, Casey Means, was postponed after the nominee began giving birth to her first child.

Means had planned to make history as the first candidate to appear virtually before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee due to her pregnancy on Thursday. The hearing was originally scheduled for two days later than scheduled, a person familiar with the matter told CNN. It is still unclear when the hearing will be postponed.

In a statement shared with the Guardian, Emily Hilliard, press secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said: “Everyone is happy for Dr. Means and his family. This is one of the rare times in life when it is easy to request a Senate hearing be moved.”

Trump nominated Means in May to serve as U.S. surgeon general, the president’s second choice for the role often called “the nation’s doctor.” Means, a wellness influencer and physician with an inactive medical license, follows the abrupt withdrawal of Trump’s first nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, whose confirmation hearing was canceled amid right-wing criticism and questions about her credentials.

Means, 38, is a Los Angeles-based medical entrepreneur who has become known in conservative wellness circles for her critiques of traditional medicine and her advocacy for improving the nation’s food supply.

She is the author of the bestselling book Good Energy and a leading figure in the Make America Healthy Again (Maha) movement. His selection underscores Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s growing influence within the administration.

In a social media post, Trump said Means “has impeccable ‘Maha’ credentials.”

“His academic achievements, as well as his life’s work, are absolutely remarkable,” Trump said. “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to become one of the finest general surgeons in U.S. history.”

Asked about the nomination shortly after it was announced, Trump said: “I don’t know her. I listened to Bobby’s recommendation.”

Means, through his book, blog and speaking engagements, has championed holistic health with an emphasis on whole, natural foods, exercise and reducing pharmaceutical prescriptions for chronic illnesses.

The Stanford Medicine-trained doctor also suggested that psychedelics such as psilocybin may benefit mental health, denounced the widespread use of pesticides and warned against long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.

Means and his brother, former lobbyist Calley Means, were key advisers in Kennedy’s 2024 presidential bid and helped broker his support for Trump last summer. Both men have made appearances with some of Trump’s biggest supporters, earning praise from conservative pundit Tucker Carlson and podcaster Joe Rogan.

Calley Means is now a White House adviser who frequently appears on television to promote restrictions on Snap benefits, removing fluoride from drinking water and other Maha agenda items.