President Trump presented a new nominee for the position of Surgeon General on Thursday. In a post on Truth Social, the president announced his choice of Dr. Nicole B. Saphier for the important leadership role within his administration.
Dr. Saphier is a breast radiologist and director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center-Monmouth. President Trump praised Dr. Saphier for her professional record as an advocate for patients dealing with cancer diagnoses.
“I am pleased to announce that I am nominating Dr. Nicole B. Saphier to be the next SURGEON GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” President Trump said. “Nicole is a STAR physician who has spent her career guiding women facing breast cancer through their diagnosis and treatment while tirelessly advocating to increase early cancer detection and prevention, while at the same time working with men and women on all other forms of cancer diagnoses and treatments.”
The statement came immediately after he announced he would withdraw his previous nominee, Dr. Casey Means, after Republican Senators’ pushback stalled her confirmation. Despite receiving the backing of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Means faced significant hurdles from GOP leaders who opposed some of her views.
President Trump specifically called out Sen. Bill Cassidy, R.-La., for blocking the confirmation of Dr. Means as Surgeon General, describing his opposition as “intransigence and political games.” Despite withdrawing her nomination, the president praised Dr. Means for her contributions, describing her as a “strong MAHA warrior” who would continue to work towards solving critical health issues in America.
“Casey will continue to fight for MAHA on the many important Health issues facing our Country, such as the rising childhood disease epidemic, increased autism rates, poor nutrition, over-medicalization, and researching the root causes of infertility, and many other difficult medical problems,” President Trump said. “
Although the Surgeon General does not directly impact regulatory policy, the role provides a powerful opportunity for delivering important messaging on health issues. President Trump touted Dr. Saphier’s qualifications for the role, including her communications skills.
“She is also an INCREDIBLE COMMUNICATOR, who makes complicated health issues more easily understood by all Americans,” President Trump said. “Dr. Nicole Saphier will do great things for our Country, and help, “MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN.” Congratulations Nicole, our Country has long been waiting for you!”
