Complaints show ‘pattern’ of questionable behavior
WASHINGTON — President Trump’s pick for Veterans Affairs secretary showed “a pattern” of questionable prescription drug practices and drunken behavior, including crashing a government vehicle while intoxicated and doling out a large supply of a prescription opioid to a White House military staff member, according to a summary of allegations compiled by Democratic staff of a Senate panel.
The two-page summary details complaints it received from 23 former and current colleagues of Dr. Ronny Jackson, who has served as a White House physician since 2006.
The memo released by Democrats on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee said they were told of multiple incidents of Jackson’s intoxication while on duty, often on overseas trips. On at least one occasion he was nowhere to be found when his medical help was needed because “he was passed out drunk in his hotel room.”
At a Secret Service goingaway party, the summary says, Jackson got drunk and wrecked a government vehicle.
Speaking to reporters yesterday at the White House, Jackson denied allegations of bad behavior. “I never wrecked a car,” he said. “I have no idea where that is coming from.”
He walked out a West Wing door and did not respond as reporters asked whether he was going to withdraw his nomination.
The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee postponed a hearing scheduled yesterday on Jackson’s nomination.
Trump has suggested publicly that Jackson may want to withdraw but privately is urging him to work for Senate confirmation. So far, Jackson is showing few signs of backing down.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Jackson had passed “at least four independent background checks” that found “no areas of concern.”
“He has received more vetting than most nominees,” Sanders said yesterday.
White House legislative director Marc Short said Jackson “feels very strongly these are baseless accusations.”
Veterans groups are dismayed over the continuing uncertainty at the VA, 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.