Trump pulls surgeon general nominee amid controversy over medical credentials

In the United States, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat's nomination for the position of U.S. surgeon general on Wednesday, just one day before her scheduled confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. This decision came after concerns were raised about her medical education claims, specifically that she misrepresented her medical degree. Nesheiwat had stated she graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, but investigations revealed she actually obtained her degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, located in St. Maarten. With questions surrounding her credentials, which were initially brought to light by freelance writer Anthony Clark, the president found himself under pressure, particularly from conservative commentators like Laura Loomer. Loomer called for a nominee without controversial medical ties, particularly highlighting Nesheiwat's previous support of the COVID-19 vaccine and her opposition to vaccine mandates for children a year later, which drew scrutiny from various quarters. As a result of this backlash, Trump announced that Dr. Casey Means would replace Nesheiwat as his nominee for surgeon general. Means, who has been closely associated with the Make America Healthy Again movement and holds strong ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has garnered attention for her holistic approaches to health. Trump’s appraisal of Means included praise for her 'impeccable MAHA credentials,' emphasizing her potential to make significant contributions to public health in the U.S. Means has also co-authored a book on chronic health issues and founded a health-tech company that focuses on dietary metrics, further highlighting her health advocacy. Nesheiwat's future role within the Department of Health and Human Services, while not clarified in detail, suggests the administration seeks to maintain her involvement despite the withdrawal of her nomination.