Trump’s surgeon general nominee weaves through contentious Senate hearing
The Hill
by Joseph ChoiFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump’s second nominee for U.S. surgeon general, Casey Means, faced a lengthy confirmation hearing process that spanned over half a year before finally appearing before the Senate. Her nomination has been surrounded by controversy and delays, highlighting the ongoing political tensions in Washington. Means, who has previously worked as a family physician and health advocate, was initially nominated in July 2020 but did not receive her first Senate hearing until March 2021. During the hearing, she navigated tough questions from senators about her qualifications, her past comments on public health issues, and her ties to conservative groups. Despite the scrutiny, Means maintained a measured tone and emphasized her commitment to improving public health outcomes.
The delay in Means’ confirmation hearing has raised eyebrows among observers, with some speculating that political opposition or concerns about her qualifications contributed to the prolonged process. Critics have pointed to her lack of experience in federal government and her association with controversial organizations as potential red flags. However, Means has also been praised by supporters for her expertise in community health and her focus on addressing disparities in underserved populations.
During her testimony, Means faced questions about a range of topics, including COVID-19 vaccination efforts, mental health awareness, and the opioid crisis. She expressed support for evidence-based approaches to public health and emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies and local communities. However, some senators pressed
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/25/2026