In a significant reshuffle, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and Fox News contributor, as his nominee for the position of U.S. Surgeon General. This decision comes after Trump withdrew the nomination of Casey Means, marking the third candidate selected for the post.
This development has led to tension between Trump and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, whom Trump accused of obstructing Means’ nomination and labeled a “very disloyal person.” Means, an ally of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faced challenges in receiving sufficient support from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, which Cassidy chairs.
While Means, who is not a practicing doctor, is involved in the Make America Healthy Again movement—known for its skepticism towards vaccines—Saphier brings a different background, holding an active medical license and serving as the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Her medical credentials include a Doctor of Medicine degree from Ross University School of Medicine and fellowships at the Mayo Clinic.
Trump praised Saphier, stating, “Nicole is a STAR physician who has spent her career guiding women facing breast cancer through their diagnosis and treatment while tirelessly advocating to increase early cancer detection and prevention.” Earlier, he highlighted Means’ ongoing commitment to the Kennedy-led movement despite Cassidy’s opposition.
In light of the recent developments, Kennedy commended Means as a key advocate for his initiative and accused Cassidy of stalling her nomination for the benefit of entrenched interests. Meanwhile, Saphier is expected to provide the American public with essential health information as Surgeon General.
This appointment marks Trump’s third attempt to fill the Surgeon General role, following the withdrawal of his previous nominee Janette Nesheiwat in May.
The public reaction has been mixed, with figures like Lisa Gilbert of the watchdog group Public Citizen calling Means’ withdrawal a “clear-cut victory for public health,” emphasizing her unfitness for the position.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Saphier’s nomination sets the stage for new developments in public health policy and advocacy.
