News
Being in ‘Arm’s Reach of 3 Presidents’ Enough Vetting for Accused Pill-Pushing Drunk Doc: WH
The White House is not backing down from it support of Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, President Trump’s nominee to become Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Despite Trump on Tuesday giving Dr. Jackson an out, saying the decision to withdraw in the face of terrible accusations is his, the Rear Admiral is pressing on – and the White House is in full offensive mode.
“White House says it will request Senate Veterans’ Affairs committee hold hearing on Dr. Ronny Jackson’s nomination,” ABC News tweeted late Wednesday morning.
“We’ll be making the request to Chairman Isakson that he get his hearing,” White House Legislative Affairs Director Marc Short told ABC News.
Wednesday afternoon Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that Jackson has had more vetting than most.
“Because Dr. Jackson has worked within arm’s reach of three presidents, he has received more vetting than most nominees.” It’s unclear how that’s true.
Press Sec. Sanders defends VA Sec. nominee Dr. Ronny Jackson, dismisses conduct questions.
“Because Dr. Jackson has worked within arm’s reach of three presidents, he has received more vetting than most nominees.” https://t.co/MryKIGFuFN pic.twitter.com/ZSaA4ZVDiM
— ABC News (@ABC) April 25, 2018
The allegations against Dr. Jackson, who has served as the Physician to the President since 2006, if true, as are staggering.
According to multiple news reports and the Democratic Ranking Member on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, 20 current and former staffers who worked with or under Jackson say he was drunk on the job, over-prescribed medication – he was called “the candy man” – and he created a hostile work environment.
All the allegations aside, Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed concern over Jackson’s qualifications – he has no experience and the VA is a $180 billion agency that serves 20 million vets.
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.