A sharp rebuke erupted from former President Trump, directed at Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, accusing him of “disloyalty” and obstruction regarding a key administration appointment. The conflict centers around the stalled confirmation of Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General, a nomination Trump fiercely championed.
Trump’s criticism, delivered via a social media post, didn’t shy away from personal attacks, reminding Cassidy of the former President’s endorsement that helped secure his Senate seat. He pointedly referenced Cassidy’s vote to impeach him, labeling the proceedings a “total Hoax and Scam,” and framing the opposition to Means as a continuation of that perceived betrayal.
The former President portrayed Means as a dedicated advocate for his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, emphasizing her commitment to addressing critical health issues facing the nation. He argued her confirmation was vital to advancing these goals, and Cassidy’s resistance a significant setback.
Adding fuel to the fire, Calley Means, brother of the nominee and a White House advisor, launched a scathing attack on Cassidy, accusing him of prioritizing donor interests over the well-being of Americans. He alleged a deliberate pattern of obstruction and personal tactics designed to derail his sister’s confirmation.
The accusations included a claim that Cassidy intentionally scheduled Means’ confirmation hearing to coincide with her due date, then abruptly postponed it by only two days. This, according to Calley Means, resulted in his sister giving birth just as the hearing was originally scheduled to begin.
In response to the failed nomination, Trump swiftly announced Dr. Nicole Saphier as his new choice for Surgeon General. He lauded Saphier as a “STAR physician” with a distinguished career focused on breast cancer detection and prevention, highlighting her dedication to both men’s and women’s health.
The former President concluded with a direct appeal to Louisiana voters, urging them to replace Cassidy in the upcoming election. He faces challenges from both Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming and Representative Julia Letlow, setting the stage for a potentially contentious primary battle.
Senator Cassidy, as chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, had previously voiced concerns during Means’ hearing regarding her stance on vaccinations. This disagreement appears to be a central point of contention in the escalating dispute.
