President Trump’s pick for surgeon general, wellness influencer Casey Means, faced bipartisan questioning during her confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill. Senators pressed her on birth control, pesticides, psychedelic drugs and vaccines, particularly whether she believes vaccines cause autism. Means said that 'anti-vaccine rhetoric has never been part of my message' but declined to say whether she would advise parents to vaccinate their children against measles.

Means, who does not hold an active medical license and has criticized the mainstream medical system, appears likely to win confirmation despite concerns about her unconventional background. Lawmakers also addressed broader Trump administration developments, including a judge’s ruling that deporting immigrants to third countries is unlawful and renewed scrutiny following the president’s State of the Union address.

In international news, Cuba said its forces killed four people and wounded six others during a gunfight with occupants of a Florida-based speedboat near its coast. Cuban officials said their border guards were fired upon after approaching the vessel. A United States official said the boat was not affiliated with the Navy or Coast Guard, and Florida officials have called for an investigation.

Separately, questions emerged over missing Justice Department memos related to Jeffrey Epstein that involved accusations against Trump. Officials said some materials were withheld because they were privileged, duplicates or tied to ongoing investigations, while the president has denied wrongdoing.