In a significant shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and contributor to Fox News, as the new U.S. Surgeon General, following the withdrawal of Casey Means from consideration for the position. This marks Trump’s third nominee for the post amid ongoing political tensions.
The decision to withdraw Means came after she faced challenges advancing from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, which is chaired by Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. Trump criticized Cassidy for allegedly obstructing Means’ nomination, labeling him as ‘a very disloyal person.’
Means, who was a prominent advocate within Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s movement, struggled to secure enough support due to her controversial stance on public health issues, including vaccines. Her ties to the Make America Healthy Again movement, which has been critical of vaccines, played a role in the scrutiny she faced from various senators, including Cassidy.
In contrast, Dr. Nicole Saphier brings a wealth of experience to the role. She currently serves as the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering and has authored books advocating for increased cancer detection and prevention efforts. Trump praised Saphier as a ‘STAR physician’ who has dedicated her career to supporting women battling breast cancer.
Trump remarked on social media about Saphier’s qualifications, emphasizing her commitment to public health and her active medical license, which contrasts with Means, who was criticized for lacking practical experience in the field.
The nomination of Saphier also sets the stage for continued contention as Kennedy vowed to support Means despite Cassidy’s objection, framing the senator’s actions as serving ‘entrenched interests.’ Kennedy praised Means as an influential figure within his movement.
This nomination represents a pivotal third attempt for Trump to fill the Surgeon General position. His prior nominees, including Janette Nesheiwat, faced opposition and were withdrawn due to various pressures from both conservative activists and lawmakers.
Health advocacy groups have responded to the withdrawal of Means positively, with some considering it a victory for public health.
‘Casey Means is unqualified and unfit to be Surgeon General, and the withdrawal of her nomination is a win for the American public,’ stated Lisa Gilbert, co-president of the watchdog organization Public Citizen.
As the nomination moves forward, it remains to be seen how Saphier’s confirmation process will unfold amid the political climate and ongoing debates surrounding public health policies.
