Dr. Casey Means has accused Senator Lisa Murkowski of blocking her nomination to become the U.S. surgeon general, stating that Murkowski informed the Trump administration she would not support her candidacy.
According to reports, Murkowski’s decision means Means’ nomination will not advance through the Senate Health Committee.
During a confirmation hearing, Means stated that vaccines save lives but declined to specify that she would encourage parents to vaccinate their children, instead urging families to consult their doctors.
Means, a prominent figure in the Make America Healthy Again movement and a wellness influencer, said three Republican senators—Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski—opposed her nomination.
“Three Republican senators chose to block my nomination moving through the health committee,” Means stated.
She reported having spoken with both Collins and Murkowski by phone but noted that Murkowski’s reservations remained unchanged.
A spokesperson for Murkowski confirmed the call, stating that concerns about Means’ nomination were not alleviated after the conversation.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday he is nominating Dr. Nicole Saphier as surgeon general following Means’ nomination stalled in the Senate.
In a statement, Trump noted that Senator Cassidy “has stood in the way” of Means but emphasized that she will continue to advocate for health issues including rising childhood diseases and other concerns.
