White House backs Casey Means for surgeon general after Trump remarks

Published on April 2, 2026

The White House has reaffirmed its support for Dr. Casey Means as the next U.S. surgeon general, despite recent comments from President Trump expressing uncertainty about her nomination. Over the weekend, Trump indicated he was considering withdrawing support for Means, who is the sister of White House senior adviser Calley Means.

In a statement issued on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration’s confidence in Dr. Means and her qualifications for the role. “We believe Dr. Means brings a wealth of expertise and a fresh perspective that is crucial for addressing the public health challenges facing our nation,” Jean-Pierre stated.

During an interview, Trump remarked that he was unsure about how Means was performing in her current role and questioned the ongoing discussions regarding her nomination. These comments raised concerns among supporters of Means, who worry that the president’s hesitancy could jeopardize her candidacy.

Despite the uncertainty, many public health experts and advocates are rallying behind Means, citing her extensive background in health technology and her commitment to improving healthcare access. “Dr. Means is exactly the kind of leader we need to navigate the ongoing challenges in public health and bring innovative solutions to the forefront,” said a spokesperson from a leading health organization.

As the nomination process proceeds, the White House is actively engaging with lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure that Means’ qualifications are clearly communicated. The administration is hopeful that bipartisan support can still be garnered as they work to solidify her position.

In the coming weeks, the nomination will be examined , and it remains to be seen whether Trump’s remarks will impact her confirmation process. For now, the White House remains optimistic about Means’ prospects and is pushing forward with its agenda to secure her appointment as the nation’s surgeon general.

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