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Murkowski and Collins Stall Means Nomination, Undermine Kennedy's MAHA

01 April, 2026.USA.3 sources

Key Takeaways

Casey Means is the wellness influencer nominated for a top U.S. health post.
Hearing focused on vaccines, nutrition, and conflicts of interest.
Lawmakers remain noncommittal, with tension over her positions.

Senators Stall Wellness Influencer

Means has sought private meetings with Murkowski and Collins.

“For more than a month, President Donald Trump’s pick for surgeon general, Casey Means, has sought private meetings with the two Republican senators threatening to sink her nomination”

CNN

Those meetings haven’t happened.

CNN

Murkowski told CNN she’s not enthusiastic about her.

The senators’ skepticism has effectively stalled Means’ candidacy.

Means Faces Fire on Vaccines

Means's hearing was tense due to her positions on vaccines, nutrition, and the traditional medical system.

She faced tough questions on vaccines and hormonal contraceptives.

Independent en Español

Senator Bernie Sanders said he had very serious concerns about Means's ability.

Means Promotes Preventive Health

Means shared a vision for addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.

“WASHINGTON — The physician and wellness influencer Casey Means, nominated by President Donald Trump to become the next Director of Public Health for the United States, appeared this Wednesday before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in a confirmation hearing that had been postponed for months and was anticipated to be tense due to her positions on vaccines, nutrition, and the traditional medical system”