President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. surgeon general, Casey Means, is facing firm opposition from key Republican senators, stalling her confirmation and weakening Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda.
Nomination Stalled by GOP Senators
- For over a month, Means has sought private meetings with Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, but they have not occurred, according to sources familiar with the matter.
- Murkowski told CNN in mid-March she is "not enthusiastic about her," and Collins remains noncommittal about her vote.
- This delay effectively stalls Means' candidacy, dealing a major blow to Kennedy and his MAHA initiative.
Kennedy's Series of Setbacks
- A federal judge recently reversed Kennedy's most significant childhood vaccine changes, suspending related committee appointments.
- The search for a new CDC director has dragged past deadline amid questions about navigating Senate confirmation and agency challenges.
- Kennedy's popularity has declined; a KFF poll from October showed nearly 60% of Americans disapproved of him, down from earlier highs.
White House Shifts Focus Away from MAHA
- The White House is emphasizing drug pricing policies, such as "Most Favored Nation" pricing and TrumpRx, over vaccine issues ahead of midterms.
- MAHA advocates lament that the administration has abandoned their top goals, like pesticide restrictions, and threaten political retribution.
- Tensions surfaced when Kennedy defended Trump's glyphosate production decision, despite admitting personal frustration in a podcast interview.
Senate Hearing Highlights Divisions
- During her February hearing, Means faced tough questions from Sen. Bill Cassidy and others about vaccine policy and her role as a communicator.
- Cassidy, a physician and committee chairman, stressed the need for a "calming voice of reason" to restore trust in public health.
- The nomination is viewed as a proxy battle over Kennedy's influence, with his vaccine actions rankling some Republicans and raising midterm concerns.