Donald Trump names two Arab Americans to cabinet in historic nominations
Former President Donald Trump poses for a photo with CNN and Warner Bros. Discovery in Atlanta on June 27. John Nowak/CNN
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated two Arab Americans to prominent roles in his incoming administration: Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as U.S. Surgeon General and Dr. Marty Makary as head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Both appointments signify a milestone, applauded by Arab Americans for Trump (AAFT), which played a key role in securing nearly half of the Arab American vote during the election.
Dr. Marty Makary, a British American surgeon of Lebanese descent, is a professor and researcher at Johns Hopkins University.
His work spans public policy, healthcare costs, and relationship-based medicine. A leader in patient safety initiatives, Dr. Makary has held roles at the World Health Organization and the National Academy of Medicine.
He leads Islet Transplant Surgery at Johns Hopkins and has authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles. His bestselling books, Unaccountable and The Price We Pay, highlight systemic healthcare challenges. However, his anti-vaccination stance aligns with some conservative views within Trump’s base.
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a double board-certified physician, brings a practical approach to public health and is the author of Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine. Raised in Carmel, New York, by her Christian Jordanian immigrant mother, she credits her upbringing and faith for her professional achievements.
Dr. Bishara Bahbah, chairman of AAFT, described the nominations as a testament to Arab American contributions to Trump’s campaign and expressed hope for further appointments in the administration.
“We are delighted with President Trump’s nomination of the first two Arab Americans to be part of his administration,” Bahbah said in a message to Arab News on Saturday.
