Trump picks Casey Means for surgeon general, after first nominee withdraws

President Trump has switched up his pick for U.S. Surgeon General tapping best-selling author and wellness influencer Dr. Casey Means in place of his initial pick, former Fox News contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat.

Nesheiwat withdrew her nomination following scrutiny over how she had represented her medical credentials.

In an announcement on Truth Social, Trump said that Means "will work closely with our wonderful Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to ensure a successful implementation of our Agenda in order to reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic, and ensure Great Health, in the future, for ALL Americans."President Donald Trump: A Complex Legacy

Introduction

Donald J. Trump, the 45th president of the United States, is one of the most controversial and polarizing political figures in modern American history. Rising from a career in business and television, Trump’s entry into politics upended traditional norms and reshaped the Republican Party. His presidency, from 2017 to 2021, was marked by unconventional leadership, major policy shifts, and deep divisions both domestically and internationally. Whether seen as a disruptor who challenged the status quo or as a dangerous demagogue, Trump's impact on the American political landscape is undeniable.

Early Life and Career

Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, Donald John Trump was the fourth of five children of real estate developer Fred Trump. After attending the New York Military Academy and briefly studying at Fordham University, Trump transferred to the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1968 with a degree in economics.

Trump entered his family’s real estate business and quickly gained fame for high-profile developments in Manhattan, including the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Trump Tower. His brash personality and talent for self-promotion made him a media figure, culminating in his role as the host of the reality TV show The Apprentice, which aired from 2004 to 2015. This visibility helped solidify his public persona as a successful, no-nonsense businessman.

Entry into Politics

Trump flirted with political office several times, but it was not until 2015 that he launched a serious presidential campaign. Announcing his candidacy as a Republican, Trump’s campaign focused on a populist message: anti-immigration, anti-globalization, and a promise to “Make America Great Again.” He often employed blunt rhetoric, disparaged political opponents, and defied political correctness — tactics that earned him both fierce loyalty and intense criticism.

Despite skepticism from political experts and fierce opposition from within the Republican establishment, Trump won the GOP nomination. He went on to defeat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, winning the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote by nearly 3 million ballots. His victory was seen by many as a populist revolt against the political elite.

Domestic Policies and Achievements

Trump’s presidency brought a wave of conservative policy changes, executive actions, and deregulatory initiatives. Some of the key areas of focus included:

1. Tax Reform

One of Trump's most significant legislative achievements was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, and provided temporary tax relief for individuals. While proponents argued that it spurred economic growth, critics said it disproportionately benefited the wealthy and contributed to the national debt.

2. Deregulation

Trump made deregulation a priority, particularly targeting environmental and business regulations. His administration rolled back numerous rules set by the Obama administration, including emissions standards, water protections, and financial regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act. These efforts were praised by business leaders but alarmed environmentalists and consumer advocates.

3. Immigration

Trump’s immigration policies were among his most controversial. He implemented a “zero tolerance” policy that resulted in the separation of families at the U.S.-Mexico border. He also attempted to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and imposed travel bans on several predominantly Muslim countries. His promise to build a border wall was partially realized, though much of the wall involved enhancements to existing barriers.

4. Healthcare

Trump campaigned on repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. While Congress failed to fully repeal the ACA, Trump took several steps to weaken it, such as eliminating the individual mandate penalty through the 2017 tax law.

Foreign Policy

Trump’s foreign policy followed an “America First” approach, often favoring bilateral agreements over multilateralism and challenging long-standing alliances.

1. Trade

He imposed tariffs on several countries, most notably China, initiating a trade war intended to address trade imbalances and protect American manufacturing. The U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA under Trump, with updated provisions on labor and digital trade.

2. International Alliances

Trump was skeptical of NATO and other traditional alliances, often criticizing member nations for not meeting defense spending commitments. He withdrew the U.S. from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord, the Iran Nuclear Deal, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

3. North Korea

Trump’s approach to North Korea was unorthodox. He oscillated between threats of “fire and fury” and historic summits with Kim Jong-un. Though the meetings were symbolically significant, they did not yield concrete denuclearization.

Controversies and Impeachments

Trump’s presidency was defined not only by his policies but also by intense and ongoing controversy.

1. Russia Investigation

One of the most significant scandals of his term involved alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation found evidence of interference and obstruction of justice, but did not conclusively prove collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Trump claimed total vindication, while critics pointed to serious ethical concerns.

2. Impeachments

Trump is the only U.S. president to be impeached twice:

First Impeachment (2019): The House of Representatives charged him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden. He was acquitted by the Senate.

Second Impeachment (2021): After the January 6 Capitol riot, Trump was impeached for incitement of insurrection. Ten House Republicans joined Democrats in voting to impeach, but he was again acquitted by the Senate.

3. The COVID-19 Pandemic

The global coronavirus pandemic tested Trump's leadership in unprecedented ways. Initially downplaying the virus, Trump often clashed with public health experts and Democratic governors. While his administration accelerated vaccine development under “Operation Warp Speed,” critics say his inconsistent messaging and resistance to mask-wearing and lockdowns worsened the U.S. outbreak.

2020 Election and Capitol Riot

In the 2020 election, Trump lost to Joe Biden by over 7 million votes, though he refused to concede. He claimed widespread voter fraud without credible evidence, leading to multiple lawsuits and failed attempts to overturn the results.

On January 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol during the certification of the Electoral College results. The attack shocked the nation and the world, and led to Trump’s second impeachment. While he denied responsibility, many viewed his rhetoric and refusal to accept the election outcome as direct incitement.

Post-Presidency Influence

After leaving office, Trump remained a dominant force in the Republican Party. Despite being banned from major social media platforms for a time, he retained a loyal base. Trump endorsed candidates in the 2022 midterms, with mixed results. Many of his picks lost, prompting some Republican leaders to question his continued influence.

Trump announced a 2024 presidential bid, setting the stage for a potential rematch with Biden. Legal troubles, including investigations into his business practices and actions surrounding January 6, continued to follow him, but did not significantly diminish his core support.

Legacy

Donald Trump’s legacy is fiercely debated. Supporters praise him for standing up to entrenched elites, reshaping trade policy, appointing three conservative Supreme Court justices, and prioritizing American interests abroad. They credit him with tax cuts, record-low unemployment (before COVID), and challenging the political establishment.

Critics argue that Trump undermined democratic institutions, polarized the nation, and fostered a culture of misinformation and hostility. His handling of the pandemic, immigration policies, and rejection of the 2020 election results are seen as major stains on his record. The Capitol riot and his role in inciting it are particularly viewed as serious breaches of presidential conduct.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s time as president was anything but conventional. His approach redefined what it means to be a political leader in the 21st century, for better or worse. He energized a base of millions, shifted the Republican Party's ideology, and sparked national debates about truth, power, and identity in American politics.

Whether Trump is remembered as a transformative leader or a destabilizing force will depend largely on future political outcomes, including the results of ongoing investigations and the 2024 election. What is certain is that his impact on the United States — politically, culturally, and globally — will be studied and felt for generations to come.