President Donald Trump has withdrawn his nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat for U.S. Surgeon General, appointing Dr. Casey Means, a prominent figure in the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, as her replacement. The decision, announced on May 7, 2025, comes amid growing influence from MAHA supporters and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Dr. Means, a Stanford-educated physician, co-founded the health tech company Levels and co-authored the book “Good Energy” with her brother, Calley Means, an adviser to Secretary Kennedy. Her work emphasizes metabolic health, preventative care, and a holistic approach to medicine, aligning with the administration’s focus on combating chronic diseases through lifestyle and nutrition improvements.
The withdrawal of Dr. Nesheiwat’s nomination followed scrutiny over her medical credentials and ideological alignment with the administration’s health agenda. Critics, including activist Laura Loomer, questioned her support for COVID-19 vaccines and her previous endorsements of strict pandemic measures.
President Trump praised Dr. Means’ qualifications, stating she has “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials” and expressing confidence in her ability to work closely with Secretary Kennedy to implement the administration’s health initiatives.
Dr. Means’ nomination has been well-received among MAHA supporters and conservative health advocates, who view her appointment as a significant step toward reforming the nation’s approach to healthcare and addressing the chronic disease epidemic.
