Surgeon general nominee faces scrutiny over qualifications and views on vaccines

Amna Nawaz:

Dr. Casey Means, the popular wellness influencer and ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is the president's nominee for surgeon general. And she faced tough questions on Capitol Hill in a long-awaited confirmation hearing.

Geoff Bennett:

As a prominent voice in the so-called MAHA movement, some of her ideas, like prioritizing natural foods, reducing pesticides, and exercising consistently, are widely accepted.

But she's also been criticized for more controversial views, from her statements on vaccines and the consumption of raw milk.

Our William Brangham has this report.

Dr. Casey Means, U.S. Surgeon General Nominee:

We are now the most chronically ill high-income nation in the world.

William Brangham:

While celebrated as a potent fighter for the MAHA movement, Dr. Casey Means was quickly pressed by some from the president's own party.

Right off the bat, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who's also a doctor, grilled Means on her past statements incorrectly linking vaccines to autism.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA):

Do you believe that vaccines, whether individually or collectively, contribute to autism?

Dr. Casey Means:

Until we have a clear understanding of why kids are developing this at higher rates, I think we should not leave any stones unturned.

Sen. Bill Cassidy:

There's been a lot of evidence showing that they're not implicated. Do you not accept that evidence?

Dr. Casey Means:

I do accept that evidence. I also think that science is never settled.

William Brangham:

Dr. Means is a wellness influencer. She went to Stanford Medical School, but didn't finish her residency and doesn't have an active medical license.

Today, Dr. Means said she believes vaccines save lives, but, as the U.S. sees a dramatic rise in measles cases, she wouldn't commit to recommending that vaccine.

Dr. Casey Means:

I'm supportive of vaccination. I do believe that each patient, mother or parent needs to have a conversation with their pediatrician about any medication they're putting in their body, in their children's bodies.

Sen. Bill Cassidy:

You're the nation's doctor. Would you encourage her to have her child vaccinated?

Dr. Casey Means:

I'm not an individual's doctor, and every individual needs to talk to their doctor before putting a medication in their body.

William Brangham:

Democratic Senator Patty Murray pressed Means about her past comments on birth control.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA):

You said Americans -- quote -- "use birth control pills like candy." You also claimed, contrary to established science, that hormonal birth control has -- quote -- "horrifying health risks for women."

Should women trust the FDA, which approved all 18 methods of birth control?

Dr. Casey Means:

If there is not informed consent about their medical history, their lifestyle exposures, and their family history, I want those women, and I know you do too, to be able to have a thorough conversation with their doctor and know whether they are at higher risk for side effects when prescribed an medication.

Sen. Patty Murray:

Saying that is one thing, but saying on different shows that birth control pills are a disrespect of life is very different.

William Brangham:

Later, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine doubled back on vaccines.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA):

Do you believe that there is no evidence that there's -- the flu vaccine has efficacy in reducing serious injury or hospitalization?

Dr. Casey Means:

I -- I -- I....

Sen. Tim Kaine:

This is an easy one, Doctor. This is an easy one.

Dr. Casey Means:

I support the CDC's guidance on the flu vaccine.

William Brangham:

Despite being repeatedly questioned on this, Dr. Means argued that reforming the doctor-patient relationship will improve outcomes.

Dr. Casey Means:

The constraints on doctors are monumental, and many American parents are frustrated by what they feel like is lack of transparency on the issue of vaccines.

William Brangham:

Today's confirmation hearing also illustrated some strange bedfellows who agree with part of Means' agenda.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT):

I have enjoyed and appreciated some of the remarks you have made in the past.

William Brangham:

At times, Democratic socialist Senator Bernie Sanders and Dr. Means were right in sync.

Sen. Bernie Sanders:

You would fight to ban TV ads of junk food?

Dr. Casey Means:

I think you will be frustrated by how much I will be talking about ultra-processed foods.

Sen. Bernie Sanders:

I won't be frustrated. I would be delighted.

William Brangham:

That said, all the Democrats, including Sanders, said they wouldn't support Means' nomination. But with Republican control of the Senate, her nomination will likely succeed.

Sen. Bill Cassidy:

The committee stands adjourned.

William Brangham:

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm William Brangham.