Story perspectives

Trump's Surgeon General Nominee Sparks Vaccine Controversy

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's surgeon general nominee Casey Means for lacking a medical license.
Adams says Means has not completed her residency and does not meet historical qualifications.
Means stated at the Senate confirmation hearing that vaccines are important but did not fully endorse them.
If confirmed, Means would be the first surgeon general not to unequivocally support vaccines, risking public trust.

1 of 1

Story summary

Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's surgeon general nominee Casey Means for lacking a medical license.
Adams says Means has not completed her residency and does not meet historical qualifications.
Means stated at the Senate confirmation hearing that vaccines are important but did not fully endorse them.
If confirmed, Means would be the first surgeon general not to unequivocally support vaccines, risking public trust.