President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will nominate physician and health tech entrepreneur Dr. Casey Mean for surgeon general after withdrawing the nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat.
The change marks the second time the Trump administration has pulled a nominee for a major health position, following the withdrawal of CDC Director-designate Dr. Dave Weldon earlier this year.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Dr. Means for her qualifications and emphasized her alignment with his administration’s vision for public health. “Casey has impeccable ‘Make America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) credentials,” Trump wrote.
“She will work closely with our wonderful Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic and ensure great health for all Americans.”
Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-trained physician, is well known in the health and wellness space. She is the co-founder of a health tech company focused on metabolic health and personalized nutrition.
Her work emphasizes lifestyle-driven approaches to chronic disease prevention, something that has gained increased attention among conservatives seeking alternatives to what they view as a failing pharmaceutical-heavy medical system.
Her brother, Calley Means, currently serves as a White House adviser and is also known for his outspoken criticism of the influence of big food and pharmaceutical companies.
The Means siblings have emerged as key allies of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made public health reform a central plank of his tenure.
Meanwhile, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat had faced increasing scrutiny over her medical background and past statements. Although she is a practicing physician and frequent health commentator on Fox News, CBS News reported in April that she graduated from a Caribbean-based medical school—not the University of Arkansas, as she had previously claimed.
The discrepancy raised concerns about the transparency and accuracy of her professional credentials.
In addition to the credential issue, Nesheiwat faced backlash from certain influential voices within the conservative movement. Laura Loomer, who has played a role in shaping personnel decisions during Trump’s presidency, publicly criticized Nesheiwat for her pro-COVID vaccine views.
Loomer also echoed concerns about the medical school controversy, further weakening Nesheiwat’s chances of a smooth confirmation.
Nesheiwat had been scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Thursday for her confirmation hearing. Trump’s announcement effectively cancels that appearance. However, he added that Nesheiwat will remain involved in public health work, stating she will serve “in another capacity at HHS.”
The decision to shift nominees underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to align key health leadership roles with officials who share the president’s broader views on healthcare reform—particularly those promoting alternative approaches to wellness, personalized medicine, and reduced government reliance on pharmaceutical interventions.
Dr. Casey Means’ nomination now heads to the Senate, where she is expected to receive a warmer reception from Republican lawmakers eager to support what they view as a more holistic and independent vision for the future of American healthcare.