Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Feb. 25, 2026, striking a more measured tone than her social media persona. Previously known for criticizing vaccines, birth control, and pesticides, Means largely sidestepped controversial claims during the hearing.
Key Points from the Hearing:
- Means affirmed the importance of vaccines but avoided recommending specific shots like flu, measles, or hepatitis B, and did not rule out vaccines as a potential factor in autism.
- On birth control, she acknowledged potential risks like blood clots for certain women but stressed accessibility and informed consent.
- Means distinguished her personal experiences, such as using psilocybin (magic mushrooms), from public health guidance, emphasizing that she would not recommend it for Americans due to legal and scientific uncertainties.
- Regarding pesticides, she acknowledged their complexity and the need for thoughtful policy changes, softening prior warnings about “invisible poisons.”
Means’ approach mirrors that of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., under whom she served as a campaign adviser. Kennedy has similarly softened rhetoric on vaccines and pesticides while implementing controversial changes to public health policy, including reduced childhood vaccine recommendations.
Despite her medical degree, Means did not complete a surgical residency and her medical license lapsed in January 2024. She stated she does not plan to reinstate it, since the Surgeon General role does not involve seeing patients.
Observers note that Senate hearings do not necessarily bind nominees to their stated positions, and it remains unclear how Means will act if confirmed. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon emphasized her commitment to following the best available science.
