In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump has named Dr. Nicole Saphier—a radiologist and contributor to Fox News—as his nominee for the role of U.S. Surgeon General, marking his third attempt to fill this key public health position. This announcement follows the withdrawal of his previous nominee, Casey Means.
The nomination of Means faced challenges, particularly from Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who Trump accused of obstructing the process. Cassidy chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, which did not advance Means’ nomination due to a lack of support.
Means, allied with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been a prominent advocate of the Make America Healthy Again movement, which has raised concerns about vaccines. This stance has drawn criticism, as she is not a practicing physician. Her brother, Calley Means, is involved with the White House, which adds another layer of complexity to her nomination.
Fox News’ new appointee, Dr. Saphier, currently serves as the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering. An accomplished author, she has written books including “Make America Healthy Again: How Bad Behavior and Big Government Caused a Trillion Dollar Crisis.” Trump lauded her in a post on Truth Social, emphasizing her expertise and commitment to guiding women through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
In earlier statements, Trump indicated that Means would persist in advocating for her health movement despite Cassidy’s opposition. Kennedy has also praised Means, describing her as a vital advocate for their initiatives.
This latest nomination comes just months after Trump withdrew his first choice, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, indicating ongoing turbulence in his efforts to secure a suitable candidate for this vital public health role. Observers noted that Means faced rigorous questioning from senators about her views on vaccines and potential conflicts of interest during her confirmation hearings.
Trump’s selection of Saphier represents a shift in strategy, as she holds an active medical license and has extensive experience in breast cancer advocacy. Her medical background may provide a firmer foundation for her candidacy amid the controversies faced by Means.
As the proposed U.S. Surgeon General, Saphier would be tasked with providing the nation with crucial health information aimed at improving public wellbeing and reducing health risks.
