The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to serve as U.S. surgeon general, just a day before her scheduled confirmation hearing before the Senate. Sources indicated the decision followed complaints raised by right-wing activist Laura Loomer.
Dr. Nesheiwat, a physician who previously worked at an urgent care clinic in New York City and was a frequent medical contributor on television, was announced by President Donald Trump as his intended nominee in November. Trump at the time praised her efforts working on the front lines during the coronavirus pandemic.
Complaints from Loomer reportedly included concerns about the source of Dr. Nesheiwat's medical degree, which she received from American University of the Caribbean rather than the University of Arkansas as some expected. Loomer also publicly criticized Nesheiwat's stance on vaccines.
Nesheiwat had previously expressed support for the COVID-19 vaccine, describing it as "a gift from God" in a 2021 piece. However, she later voiced opposition to vaccine mandates for children during a television appearance, despite medical evidence showing the vaccine's effectiveness in reducing severe outcomes.
The news of the withdrawal was initially reported Wednesday. Tracking Trump's picks tracking Trump's picks for administration roles has been closely followed since his announcement of intent to run.
Laura Loomer has become a more prominent voice within President Trump's circle. Sources have noted she makes recommendations recommendations to Trump on personnel decisions.
Dr. Nesheiwat is the sister-in-law of former national security adviser Mike Waltz. Waltz was also recently removed from his post, a move that followed criticism and complaints from Loomer related to a group chat incident.
Bloomberg first reported Bloomberg first reported the White House decision.
Following Nesheiwat's withdrawal, President Trump announced his intention to tap Casey Means as the new nominee for surgeon general. Means is the sister of Calley Means, an aide to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Regarding his interactions with Loomer and others offering advice, President Trump stated, "She makes recommendations of things and people, and sometimes I listen to those recommendations, like I do with everybody. I listen to everybody, and then I make a decision. But I saw her yesterday. She was at the ceremony, and she is -- she'll always have something to say, usually very constructive."
