Trump surgeon general pick praised unproven psychedelic therapy, said mushrooms helped her find love

Yahoo! News - May 14th, 2025

President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means for the position of surgeon general, stirring controversy due to her advocacy for the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs, particularly psilocybin, which remains illegal under federal law. Means, whose medical license is inactive, gained attention for her 2024 book, 'Good Energy,' where she discusses psilocybin-assisted therapy as a potential treatment for stress and trauma. Her nomination follows Trump's pattern of selecting individuals known more for their public personas than their policy expertise, and it was largely influenced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recommendation. Trump's previous nominee, Janette Nesheiwat, was withdrawn after her qualifications were questioned.

The implications of this nomination are significant as it challenges the traditional views on drug policy and the role of the surgeon general in providing scientifically-backed health advice. While some studies suggest potential benefits of psychedelics, they remain largely unproven and carry risks such as hallucinations and dangerous behavior if used unsupervised. Means' stance could influence public perception and policy discussions regarding psychedelic drugs. Her confirmation hearing has yet to be scheduled, leaving uncertainty about her potential impact on health policy if confirmed.

Donald Trump Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump Administration Health Policy Psilocybin Casey Means Surgeon General Psychedelic Drugs

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and timely examination of Dr. Casey Means' nomination as U.S. surgeon general, focusing on her advocacy for psychedelic therapy. It accurately presents the legal status of psilocybin and the potential benefits and risks associated with its use. The piece is well-written and engages readers by addressing topics of public interest and controversy. However, it could benefit from a broader range of expert perspectives and more detailed sourcing to enhance its credibility and balance. Overall, the story is informative and relevant, contributing to ongoing discussions about drug policy and public health leadership.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports on President Donald Trump's nomination of Dr. Casey Means as the U.S. surgeon general, highlighting her controversial views on psychedelic therapy. It correctly notes that psilocybin is a Schedule 1 drug, illegal under federal law, while also mentioning its legalization in Oregon and Colorado. The story provides precise details about Dr. Means' educational background and her inactive medical license, aligning with available data. However, the claim about the FDA's decision on MDMA requires further verification, as it is presented with some ambiguity about the current status of research and approval processes.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including both the potential benefits and risks associated with psychedelic therapy. It quotes Dr. Means' positive experiences and recommendations while also addressing the legal and scientific challenges. However, the piece could benefit from more perspectives, such as expert opinions from medical professionals or policy analysts, to provide a fuller picture of the implications of Dr. Means' nomination.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly written, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. It logically presents the facts about Dr. Means' nomination, her views on psychedelics, and the broader context of the surgeon general's role. The language is neutral, and the tone is informative, contributing to a clear understanding of the issues discussed.

Source quality

The article relies on information from Dr. Means' book and statements, as well as historical context regarding the role of the surgeon general. While it cites statements from President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., additional authoritative sources, such as peer-reviewed studies or official statements from health organizations, would enhance the credibility of the reporting.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, primarily quoting Dr. Means' book and her public statements. It discloses the potential conflict of interest with Calley Means' investments in psychedelic companies. However, it lacks detailed methodology or data supporting the claims about the benefits and risks of psychedelics, which would provide readers with a better understanding of the evidence behind these assertions.