Trump names radiologist as third pick for surgeon general

President Donald Trump announced his third pick to serve as surgeon general on Thursday, after two previous selections failed to gain traction with senators.

Dr. Nicole Saphier is a New Jersey-based breast cancer radiologist and FOX News medical contributor. In his social media announcement, President Trump highlighted Dr. Saphier’s advocacy for early cancer screening and prevention. She published a book with HarperCollins in 2020 titled Make America Healthy Again, criticizing industry and government policies that she said made healthcare more expensive and less effective in treating illness. If confirmed, Dr. Saphier will lead the government’s messaging on public health.

What happened to Casey Means? Casey Means was Trump’s previous choice for surgeon general. Senators on both sides of the aisle raised concerns about Means’ credentials as a nonpracticing neck surgeon and wellness influencer during her nomination hearing in February. In March, President Trump said it was possible Means would be replaced by another candidate for the nomination.

Last May, Trump scuttled his nomination of former FOX News medical correspondent Janette Nesheiwat before her confirmation hearing after conservative news media poked holes in her medical credentials.

Dig Deeper: Read my report on Casey Means’ nomination hearing.