In a move that stunned political observers and health professionals alike, President Donald Trump offered a surprising defense following his nomination of a wellness influencer with no active medical license to serve as the next U.S. Surgeon General.
The administration recently put forward Casey Means, a self-branded health entrepreneur and social media personality, as their pick for the nation’s top health advisor—a position typically reserved for licensed physicians with years of clinical experience.
What shocked many was the revelation that Means has not completed a medical residency and is not practicing medicine. Her appointment immediately triggered a wave of concern and confusion from the public and press alike.
During a press event at the White House, Trump was asked directly about the choice. A reporter questioned:
“You’ve just nominated someone who never completed residency training and isn’t a licensed practitioner. What qualifies her to lead public health for the country?”
Trump’s answer caught even seasoned reporters off guard:
“Because Bobby thought she was fantastic,” he began. “She’s incredibly smart, Stanford-educated, and from what I’ve been told, wanted to go into academia instead of clinical work.”
The president continued, “She might’ve been top of her class at Stanford. Bobby really thinks she’s exceptional. I just met her recently and once before. She seems impressive—a very smart person. I think she’ll do great.”
“Bobby,” in this context, refers to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., current Secretary of Health and Human Services, who reportedly recommended Means for the role.
Social media quickly lit up with criticism, especially over Trump’s admission that he barely knows the nominee. One user posted:
“So she has good grades but no hands-on medical experience, and Trump’s cool with that because Bobby is?”
President Trump admitted that he ‘doesn’t know’ the influencer
Another quipped: “Seems like the less qualified, the better under Trump.”
A third added: “Didn’t finish training, not licensed, and Trump admits he doesn’t really know her. Checks all the MAGA boxes.”
Skeptics also questioned the accuracy of Trump’s claims about Means’ academic record. One pointed out:
“If she really graduated first in her class, wouldn’t her own site mention that? Sounds like classic Trump ‘truth stretching’ again.”
Others reacted with concern, calling the appointment “alarming” and “absurd,” with one post summing up the mood:
“This is somehow both hilarious and terrifying at the same time.”
Despite the backlash, the nomination stands, fueling fresh debate over qualifications, cronyism, and the growing influence of uncredentialed figures in serious government roles.
