Nicole Shanahan raises serious questions about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision-making process following President Trump's nomination of wellness influencer Casey Means as surgeon general.
According to The Hill, Shanahan, who was Kennedy's 2024 running mate, expressed concerns about the appointment, revealing she had received assurances that neither Casey Means nor her brother Calley would receive positions within HHS or any other appointments in exchange for her support of Kennedy's confirmation.
The nomination has sparked controversy within Kennedy's inner circle, with Shanahan suggesting that someone other than Trump is controlling Kennedy's decisions. Her public statements on social platform X directly challenge the credibility of Kennedy's leadership at HHS and raise questions about external influences on his decision-making process.
Kennedy has publicly embraced Trump's decision, praising Means as an ideal candidate for the position. He emphasized her potential to challenge established medical practices and guide the country toward better healthcare outcomes.
The HHS Secretary took to social media platform X to express his enthusiasm for the appointment, describing Means as someone "born to hold this job." His endorsement focused on her potential to provide ethical guidance and challenge medical orthodoxies.
Trump's decision to nominate Means came after withdrawing the nomination of Janette Nesheiwat, whose credentials were questioned following discrepancies in her educational background.
Shanahan shared her perspective on X, directly responding to concerns about Means' limited clinical experience. Her statements suggest a deeper rift within the administration's health leadership.
The former running mate's comments paint a troubling picture of Kennedy's autonomy in decision-making. She explicitly questioned whether Kennedy had lied to her or was being influenced by external forces.
In particularly sharp criticism, Shanahan described the Means siblings as "artificial and aggressive," even suggesting they appeared to be "bred and raised Manchurian assets."
President Trump announced his decision on Truth Social, highlighting Means' credentials and her alignment with the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. He expressed confidence in her ability to work effectively with Kennedy.
In his announcement, Trump praised Means' academic achievements and professional background. The president emphasized her potential to become one of the most accomplished surgeon generals in U.S. history.
Means brings a unique perspective to the role as co-founder of Levels, a health technology company specializing in continuous glucose monitoring systems.
The unexpected nomination of Casey Means as surgeon general nominee has created visible tension between key figures in the administration's healthcare leadership. The controversy centers on Kennedy's support for the Means appointment, despite previous assurances to his former running mate Shanahan. The situation highlights potential conflicts within the HHS department and raises questions about decision-making processes in Trump's healthcare administration. As the nomination moves forward, the focus remains on Means' qualifications and her ability to implement the administration's healthcare agenda while working alongside Kennedy.
