Trump Blames GOP Senator as Surgeon General Nomination Collapse Sparks Internal Rift
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized a fellow Republican senator following the sudden collapse of a high-profile nomination for U.S. surgeon general, but new details suggest another lawmaker may have played the decisive role behind the scenes.
The controversy began when Trump announced Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and media contributor, as his new choice for the nation’s top medical position. This decision abruptly ended the long and uncertain nomination process of Dr. Casey Means, whose candidacy had been under review in the Senate for nearly a year.
Just before revealing the new nominee, Trump used his social platform to sharply attack Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. He described Cassidy as “disloyal” and accused him of blocking Means from securing confirmation. Cassidy, a physician and a key figure as chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, had previously questioned Means during her confirmation hearing, particularly focusing on her views regarding vaccines.
Trump did not hold back in his criticism, suggesting that Cassidy’s actions were politically motivated and expressing hope that voters in Louisiana would remove him from office. His remarks signaled growing frustration within Republican ranks over the stalled nomination.
However, Dr. Means has since indicated that Cassidy may not have been the only—or even the primary—reason for the failure of her nomination. According to her, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska informed the administration that she would not support the nomination. This opposition proved critical, as it effectively blocked Means from advancing through the Senate Health Committee, a necessary step before a full Senate vote could take place.
Means explained that she had attempted to engage with key senators, including Murkowski and Senator Susan Collins of Maine, in an effort to address concerns and gain support. Despite these efforts, it became clear in recent days that her nomination would not progress further.
Means had been recommended for the role by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who viewed her as a strong advocate for addressing chronic health issues in the United States. She has been associated with initiatives focused on improving public health outcomes, including tackling rising childhood illnesses, poor nutrition, and other long-term medical concerns.
Following the nomination’s collapse, Kennedy also voiced strong criticism toward Senator Cassidy, accusing him of undermining the process and protecting existing systems that, in his view, contribute to ongoing health challenges in the country. Similar sentiments were echoed by Means’ brother, who is also involved in health policy efforts.
Dr. Nicole Saphier now becomes the third individual nominated by Trump for the surgeon general position. A previous nominee had also been withdrawn earlier, reflecting ongoing difficulties in securing Senate approval for the role.
The situation highlights internal divisions within the Republican Party, particularly on health policy and leadership appointments. While Trump has directed his criticism toward Cassidy, the emerging details suggest a more complex political dynamic, where multiple senators’ positions ultimately shaped the outcome.
Sources:
Politico
Official statements from involved parties and public records of Senate proceedings
