Siblings Casey and Calley Means, figures associated with the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, are currently absent from their respective roles in the political sphere. While concerns about potential conflicts of interest have been raised, recent developments have seen both siblings stepping back, at least temporarily. The news that Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses her Senate confirmation hearing adds another layer to the discussion around their influence and involvement in government and public health.
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Official guidance: IEEE — official guidance for Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses
Background Context
Casey Means, a nominee for Surgeon General, was scheduled for a virtual Senate confirmation hearing. However, the hearing was postponed indefinitely because she went into labor. Reports indicate the hearing was scheduled shortly after her due date. This delay impacts the consideration of her qualifications and potential role in shaping national health policy. The situation highlights the complexities of balancing personal life with high-profile government appointments. Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses her scheduled hearing, leading to questions about the future of their involvement.
Meanwhile, Calley Means has departed from his role as a “Special Government Employee” at the White House. His term, limited to 130 days, concluded approximately a month prior, although the departure was not publicly announced by the White House. Despite this, he has continued to be identified as a government employee in press articles and at a conference. Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses her hearing, and it’s noteworthy that Calley has disputed the accuracy of these continued identifications. He served as an advisor to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for anti-vaccine stances.
Concerns and Criticisms Surrounding the Means
Critics have voiced concerns regarding the Means’ involvement in government, citing their perceived lack of extensive health expertise and potential conflicts of interest related to their wellness companies. Calley Means, for example, is the co-founder of Truemed, a wellness company that facilitates the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for wellness interventions. These include cold plunges, red light therapy, and supplements. These interventions are often unproven. Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses her confirmation hearing, and Truemed potentially stood to benefit from policies expanding eligibility for such tax-advantaged medical spending.
Public Citizen, a government watchdog group, has expressed approval of Calley Means’ departure. They criticized the Trump Administration’s use of the “Special Government Employee” designation. They believed it allowed powerful individuals to evade financial transparency and anti-corruption regulations. The group stated that they were pleased his term had ended and he had resigned. The organization’s statement underscores the scrutiny and debate surrounding the roles of individuals with business interests in government positions. Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses her hearing, and this has drawn attention to potential conflicts of interest.
The Trajectory of Casey Means’ Career
Casey Means possesses a medical degree from Stanford Medical School but discontinued her residency and lacks an active medical license or board certification. Her focus has shifted towards “functional” medicine, a form of alternative medicine with a less defined structure. She co-founded Levels, a company that promotes intensive health tracking, including continuous blood glucose monitoring for individuals without prediabetes or diabetes. Another co-founder of Levels is Sam Corcos, who is now the chief information officer for the Department of the Treasury. It was reported that Corcos led the effort to dismantle the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses her hearing, and her background has been a subject of scrutiny.
Casey and Calley Means co-authored “Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health.” The book advises readers to avoid various substances, including processed foods, seed oils, fragrances, fluoride, and birth control pills. It includes a chapter titled “Trust Yourself, Not Your Doctor.” Health experts have criticized Casey’s nomination for Surgeon General, with Defend Public Health urging lawmakers to reject her “quackery.” The network stated that the Surgeon General should be someone Americans can trust to provide credible advice based on science and real data, not someone who sells unproven tests and treatments. Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses her hearing, and her views have generated controversy within the medical community.
Future Implications
The absence of both Casey and Calley Means from their respective positions raises questions about the future direction of health policy and the influence of alternative wellness approaches. The debates surrounding their qualifications and potential conflicts of interest highlight the ongoing tension between traditional medicine and alternative practices. The outcome of Casey Means’ nomination process, once her hearing is rescheduled, will be pivotal in determining the role of functional medicine in the government’s health agenda. Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses her confirmation hearing, and the long-term effects of these events remain to be seen.
The scrutiny surrounding the Means siblings serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government appointments. The discussions about their backgrounds, business interests, and health philosophies emphasize the need for careful consideration of candidates for positions of public trust. As the political landscape evolves, the legacy of their involvement will likely continue to shape conversations about health, wellness, and the role of government in promoting public well-being. With Calley Means is out of the White House; Casey Means misses her opportunity, the questions remain unanswered.
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