President Donald Trump has officially withdrawn his nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat for the position of U.S. Surgeon General, just one day before she was expected to appear before the Senate for her confirmation hearing. In a swift move, Trump announced on May 7, 2025, via his social media platform Truth Social, that Dr. Casey Means would be his new nominee for the influential health post. "I am pleased to announce that Dr. Casey Means will be nominated as our next Surgeon General of the United States of America," Trump stated, emphasizing Means' "impeccable 'MAHA' credentials," referring to the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative he champions.
Dr. Means, who is closely associated with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is seen as a strong advocate for Trump's health agenda. Trump praised her academic achievements and expressed confidence in her potential, saying, "Her academic achievements, together with her life's work, are absolutely outstanding. Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History." This announcement comes amid significant backlash Trump faced from his supporters regarding Nesheiwat's nomination, which had been marred by controversy.
Nesheiwat, a medical director for CityMD and a frequent contributor to Fox News, had been under scrutiny for her educational background. Reports surfaced indicating she had misrepresented her medical degree, claiming to have graduated from the University of Arkansas when, in fact, she received her degree from the American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten. This revelation was first reported by independent journalist Anthony Clark, raising questions about her qualifications just as her confirmation hearing was approaching.
Adding to the pressure, conservative activist Laura Loomer publicly criticized Nesheiwat's pro-vaccine stance, which she deemed incompatible with Trump's base. Loomer took to social media, stating, "We can’t have a pro-COVID vaccine nepo appointee who is currently embroiled in a medical malpractice case and who didn’t go to medical school in the US." Loomer's influence within Trump's circle has grown, making her criticisms particularly impactful.
In contrast, Dr. Casey Means has garnered attention as a wellness influencer and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of the health tech company Levels, which focuses on metabolic health and tracking blood sugar levels. Her work aligns closely with the MAHA agenda, which aims to address chronic diseases through dietary and lifestyle changes. Means has co-authored self-help books advocating for nutrition-based health remedies, and her brother, Calley Means, serves as a senior adviser in the White House, further solidifying the family's connection to Trump's administration.
While Means has no prior government experience, her academic background includes training as a surgeon at Stanford University. However, she left her surgical residency, citing disillusionment with traditional medicine. Instead, she has built a substantial online following by promoting natural foods and lifestyle changes as solutions to America's health crises.
Means’ nomination is seen as a strategic move by Trump, who has been criticized for previous health-related nominations that failed to gain traction. Her close ties to Kennedy, who is known for his controversial views on vaccines, may provide a united front within the administration as they tackle health policy. If confirmed, Means would be tasked with overseeing a wide range of public health initiatives, including advocating for Kennedy's agenda, which calls for removing additives from food and incentivizing healthier options in school nutrition programs.
Meanwhile, Nesheiwat expressed her disappointment but reaffirmed her commitment to public health. In a statement on social media, she said, "I am looking forward to continuing to support President Trump and working closely with Secretary Kennedy in a senior policy role to Make America Healthy Again! My focus continues to be on improving the health and well-being of all Americans, and that mission hasn't changed."
This nomination reshuffle marks the latest in a series of high-profile withdrawals by Trump, who previously pulled other nominees under pressure from his base. The White House has not commented on the specifics of the decision to withdraw Nesheiwat's nomination, but sources indicate that the backlash from conservative circles played a significant role.
The surgeon general serves as the nation's doctor, overseeing the U.S. Public Health Service and issuing advisories that can have far-reaching impacts on public health policy. As such, the selection of the right candidate is crucial for Trump as he seeks to solidify his health agenda amidst a politically charged environment.
As the confirmation process unfolds, all eyes will be on Dr. Casey Means, who must navigate the complexities of public health while aligning with the administration's goals. Her appointment could signal a shift in how health issues are approached in the coming years, particularly as the nation grapples with ongoing health crises exacerbated by the pandemic.
Ultimately, the decision to pivot from Nesheiwat to Means reflects Trump's responsiveness to his base's concerns and a strategic alignment with key figures in his administration. The implications of this change in leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services will likely resonate through the health policies implemented in the near future.
