4/25/2018

NOMINATIONS/TRUMP PEOPLE/VA: “Ronny Jackson is fighting to salvage his imperiled nomination to be veterans affairs chief as more details emerge about accusations from his time as a top White House doctor, including repeated drunkenness and a ‘toxic’ work environment. President Donald Trump has suggested publicly that Jackson may want to withdraw, citing what Trump calls unfair scrutiny. Privately, Trump is urging Jackson to work for Senate confirmation. Jackson is showing few signs of backing down, so far. Veterans groups are dismayed over the continuing uncertainty at the Department of Veterans Affairs, already beset by infighting over improvements to veterans care. ‘The American Legion is very concerned about the current lack of permanent leadership,’ said Denise Rohan, national commander of The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization. The group opposed Trump’s firing of Obama administration holdover David Shulkin and has not taken a position on Jackson’s nomination. But Rohan urged action to approve a ‘strong, competent and experienced secretary.’ A watchdog report requested in 2012 and reviewed by The Associated Press found that Jackson and a rival physician exhibited ‘unprofessional behaviors’ as they engaged in a power struggle over the White House medical unit.”

Hope Yen, Zeke Miller and Ken Thomas, “White House doctor Jackson fights to save imperiled VA bid,” The Associated Press, April 25, 2018 11:20 am