Calley Means, a top adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a leading advocate for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, resigned from his position with the Trump administration on Thursday. Means, who had been working at the Health and Human Services Department for over two years, did not state a reason for his departure. His resignation comes amid growing discontent within the MAHA movement regarding what some members perceive as a lack of progress on issues like food security and regulation of the weed killer glyphosate.
Means used his role to challenge established medical groups, federal agencies, and government scientists, arguing they prioritize self-interest over public health. White House spokeswoman Allison Schuster stated the Trump administration is “grateful” for Means’ service and that he “has done a fantastic job for the MAHA movement.” Health activist Kelly Ryerson, known as Glyphosate Girl, praised Means for his efforts “fighting the food battle” despite corporate obstacles. Means’ emphasis on food and ultraprocessed foods frequently clashed with senior White House officials concerned about alienating the food industry.
Means is the brother of Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer whose nomination as surgeon general failed earlier this year due to questions about her vaccine stance. The pair gained prominence within the MAHA movement by arguing that chronic health conditions are linked to factors like ultraprocessed foods, additives, and pesticides. Means’ departure is seen as a setback to the administration’s efforts to overhaul the US food system, according to Bloomberg. Left-leaning outlets highlighted the discontent within the MAHA movement as a key factor in Means’ resignation, while right-leaning coverage focused on his contributions to the movement. Not in dispute is that Means served as a key advocate for the MAHA movement within the Trump administration for over two years.
Our reading is that this resignation signals internal friction within the Trump administration regarding the pace and direction of the MAHA movement. The differing coverage, Bloomberg framing it as a setback, left-leaning outlets emphasizing discontent, and right-leaning outlets highlighting contributions, suggests a deliberate attempt to control the narrative. Means’ departure, coupled with the previously reported clashes with senior officials, indicates a struggle between ideological priorities and practical considerations within the White House.
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