White House to Withdraw Nomination of Dr. Nesheiwat as Surgeon General

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House is expected to withdraw its nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as U.S. surgeon general just one day before her confirmation hearing, multiple sources confirmed to ABC News.

President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Nesheiwat to the post in November, highlighting her work on the front lines during the coronavirus pandemic in New York City. She previously served as a physician at Time Square CityMD urgent care clinic and gained recognition as a medical contributor on Fox News.

The withdrawal follows criticism from right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who urged Trump to select a different nominee after reports surfaced about Nesheiwat’s medical degree. Loomer pointed out that Nesheiwat graduated from the American University of the Caribbean, rather than the University of Arkansas, which she suggested raises questions over her qualifications.

In addition to this issue, Loomer took aim at Nesheiwat’s pro-vaccine stance. In a 2021 piece for Fox News, Nesheiwat described the COVID-19 vaccine as a “gift from God.” However, she later expressed opposition to vaccine mandates for children during an appearance on Tucker Carlson‘s show, despite evidence suggesting vaccines significantly mitigate severe illness and hospitalization.

Trump expressed confidence in Nesheiwat at her nomination announcement, calling her a “fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health.”

The White House has not yet responded to ABC News regarding this developing story. Additionally, Nesheiwat is related to former national security adviser Mike Waltz, who was recently removed from his position and nominated to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Waltz faced scrutiny this past week after it was revealed he was part of a Signal group chat that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, where sensitive military plans were discussed, inadvertently involving a journalist. Loomer has also called for Waltz’s firing amid this controversy, suggesting her growing influence in Trump’s circle.

Trump stated last month, “She makes recommendations of things and people, and sometimes I listen to those recommendations, like I do with everybody.”