President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is nominating Dr. Nicole B. Saphier as the next U.S. Surgeon General, replacing his earlier pick, Dr. Casey Means, whose nomination he dropped.
Trump made the announcement via Truth Social, stating he was “pleased” to put forward Saphier for the nation’s top public health post.
🚨 NOW: President Trump nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier as the next US Surgeon General and DROPS this line
"Nicole Saphier, she's with Fox, was with Fox. Isn't with Fox anymore, Peter! But she's great. She'll be the Surgeon General!" 😂 https://t.co/fuyp4R5Tjk pic.twitter.com/WEWFYIOJDj
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 30, 2026
In his post, Trump praised Saphier as a standout physician who has dedicated her career to guiding women with breast cancer through diagnosis and treatment, while also championing early cancer detection and prevention across a range of cancer types.
Trump also highlighted her skills as a communicator, saying she has a talent for making complex health information accessible to everyday Americans, and expressed confidence that she would help advance his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
Saphier has previously served as a Fox News Channel contributor.
The nomination marks a notable shift from Trump’s earlier selection of Dr. Casey Means, a wellness entrepreneur and author who had drawn scrutiny over her medical credentials.
Means, the sister of MAHA ally Calley Means, had never completed a medical residency, a fact that drew criticism from some in the medical community and ultimately contributed to the administration reconsidering her nomination.
Saphier, by contrast, is a board-certified radiologist with extensive clinical experience.
Her nomination still requires Senate confirmation before she can formally assume the role.