DRUGS/NOMINATIONS/TRUMP PEOPLE/VA: “A top Senate Democrat says allegations against President Donald Trump’s pick to lead Veterans Affairs involve him being “repeatedly drunk” when he was a White House physician. Sen. Jon Tester of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee is reviewing the allegations against Ronny Jackson, a White House doctor since 2006. He tells NPR the committee was told that Jackson was ‘repeatedly drunk’ while on travel with former President Barack Obama and that on overseas trips Jackson improperly handed out prescription drugs to help travelers sleep and wake up. Jackson is also accused of creating a ‘toxic work environment.’ Tester says if that’s true, such behavior while caring for ‘the most powerful man in the world’ is ‘not acceptable.’
Tester says more than 20 current and retired military personnel made complaints.
5:20: President Donald Trump’s pick to be Veterans Affairs secretary is giving no indication he will withdraw amid allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior. Ronny Jackson, Trump’s White House doctor, says he was ‘disappointed’ that Wednesday’s [4-25-18] confirmation hearing had been postponed. He spoke to reporters before meeting Tuesday afternoon with Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.”
–AP Staff, “The Latest: Dem cites allegations of VA nominee being drunk,” The Associated Press, April 24, 2018, 3:08 pm