What To Know About Janette Nesheiwat, Trump’s Pick For Surgeon General

If confirmed by the Senate, she will oversee the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a team of over 6,000 health professionals. Her role will also include shaping health policies and addressing issues like drug addiction and disease prevention.

Janette Nesheiwat’s Role on Fox News

Janette Nesheiwat became a medical contributor for Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her commentary on health issues, from vaccines to controversial treatments like hydroxychloroquine, drew attention. In 2020, she supported Trump’s decision to take hydroxychloroquine, calling it a “smart” move, even though medical research had not confirmed its safety or effectiveness against COVID-19.

On Fox, Nesheiwat regularly voiced opinions on vaccine mandates, COVID-19 policies, and other health issues. While she has promoted vaccines, she has been critical of vaccine mandates, arguing that they led to job losses for essential workers like police and firefighters. Her stance on public health measures has made her a controversial figure.

Her Experience in Public Health

While Janette Nesheiwat is a licensed family doctor, her background in public health leadership is limited. Compared to the current Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, who worked on national health initiatives under President Barack Obama, Nesheiwat has less direct experience in public health administration.

Her critics point out that much of her experience comes from running urgent care clinics and appearing on TV. Public health experts argue that managing public health crises requires more than private practice experience. However, her supporters see her as a relatable, media-savvy figure who can effectively communicate health messages to the public.

Janette Nesheiwat and the Supplement Industry

Janette Nesheiwat also operates a dietary supplement business. She markets “BC Boost,” a product containing vitamins C, B-12, D, and zinc. The supplement, which has her image on its label, promises to strengthen the immune system. Nesheiwat says she created it after seeing patients benefit from taking similar vitamins.

Experts warn that vitamin supplements are not always necessary for people with a balanced diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not treat supplements as medicine, meaning companies do not have to prove their products are effective. Public health officials have raised concerns that overuse of certain vitamins could lead to health issues like kidney stones.

Her Views on Vaccine Mandates

While Janette Nesheiwat supports the COVID-19 vaccine, she is against vaccine mandates. In 2023, she criticized mandates for leading to the loss of police officers, firefighters, and teachers who refused to comply. In an opinion piece for Fox News, she argued that vaccine rules were “out-of-date” and unnecessary since COVID-19 cases had declined.

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Her stance on child vaccinations has also stirred debate. In 2021, she warned of rare heart conditions linked to COVID-19 vaccines for boys, though health experts clarified that such cases were extremely rare. Critics said her comments could discourage parents from vaccinating their children.

Her Position on Transgender Health Care

Janette Nesheiwat has been vocal about transgender health care, criticizing medical treatments for transgender children. On Fox News, she argued that doctors are “pushing drugs and surgery” instead of offering counseling. However, medical experts dispute this claim, stating that only a small percentage of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria receive hormone treatment or surgery.

Her position is at odds with major U.S. medical associations, which support gender-affirming care as essential for mental health. She has also criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, accusing him of focusing too much on transgender health care while ignoring other public health issues.

What’s Next for Janette Nesheiwat?

If confirmed as Surgeon General, Janette Nesheiwat will become one of the most influential voices in U.S. health policy. Her supporters see her as a media-savvy communicator who can simplify health advice for Americans. Critics, however, point to her lack of public health experience and controversial views on vaccine mandates and transgender health care.

Her confirmation hearings are expected to be contentious, with senators likely to question her medical views and qualifications. Whether her TV experience will help or hurt her confirmation remains to be seen.