White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has stepped in to clarify President Donald Trump's recent statements regarding his nominee for Surgeon General, Casey Means.

The situation arose after President Trump indicated he might reconsider the nomination of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) influencer. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump expressed uncertainty about Means' progress.

Trump Signals Hesitation on Nomination

“We’re looking at a lot of different things, and I don’t know how she’s doing in the nomination process,” Trump stated, suggesting a potential withdrawal of the nomination.

However, Leavitt swiftly moved to deny that the administration was losing confidence in Means. She firmly asserted that the close ally of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. retains the President’s backing to serve as the nation's top doctor.

Leavitt Defends Casey Means' Qualifications

Leavitt issued a strong endorsement of the nominee’s professional background. “Dr. Casey Means has spent her entire career as an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and researcher bringing attention to America’s chronic disease epidemic and how our healthcare system is failing the American people,” she said.

The Press Secretary concluded her defense by urging swift action. “The president stands by her, and the Senate should move quickly to Dr. Means as our next surgeon general without further delay.”

Challenges Facing the Nomination

Casey Means' path to confirmation faces significant hurdles in the Senate Health Committee. Notably, she does not currently hold an active medical license.

Furthermore, Means cultivated a large online following through her skepticism of the established medical community. Her nomination requires the support of every Republican on the panel to advance successfully.

Republican Concerns Over Immunization Stance

Several key Republican Senators have voiced reservations about supporting Means. GOP Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and the panel’s chairman, Bill Cassidy, have all indicated potential opposition.

These concerns surfaced after a hearing where Means reportedly avoided direct questions regarding her views on immunizations. Specifically, she did not explicitly confirm whether she recommends that all Americans receive measles and flu shots.

Senator Cassidy reiterated his skepticism last week, stating he was “not impressed with her background.” He added that he is leaning toward voting against her nomination if it reaches the full Senate floor, citing her performance during the February hearing.