Trump Withdraws Surgeon General Nominee After Backlash

President Donald Trump withdrew Dr. Janette Nesheiwat's nomination for U.S. Surgeon General after backlash regarding her COVID-19 vaccine support, discrepancies in her medical credentials, and concerns from right-wing activists. Nesheiwat, a former Fox News contributor, had claimed to be a graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, but reports revealed her degree is from the American University of the Caribbean. Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer critical of the pharmaceutical and processed food industries, who has promoted her own health-tech company and wellness products and has no prior government experience. Means is closely aligned with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Nesheiwat is expected to take another role at the Department of Health and Human Services. This is the second high-profile health nominee withdrawn by Trump, following Dave Weldon's earlier removal as CDC director-designate.