Perry rejects notion of taking over VA
Embattled Shulkin not safe to retain his job
WASHINGTON — Energy Secretary Rick Perry said Wednesday he had no interest in becoming the next head of the Department of Veterans Affairs, flatly rejecting speculation that he would soon take over the position amid rapidly eroding White House support for embattled VA Secretary David Shulkin.
Two administration officials told The Associated Press that Shulkin’s position is growing more precarious and that he could be out of a job within the week, but cautioned that nothing was finalized.
Shulkin, a former Obama administration official, has faced several investigations over his travel and leadership of the department. Until recently, he had received praise from President Donald Trump for his work to turn around the agency, but a raft of blistering VA watchdog reports detailing mismanagement and spending waste has weakened his standing.
The White House made clear Wednesday that Shulkin’s job was not safe.
In recent weeks, Shulkin has faced an insurgency within his department and now faces fresh allegations that he used a member of his security detailto run personal errands. On Tuesday, two people familiar with White House discussions told AP that Trump viewed Shulkin as a distraction and floated the notion of moving Perry to the VA to right the ship. Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday.
Speaking after a Senate hearing Wednesday, Perry said he isn’t moving to VA and dismissed the reports as “fake news.”
“I am energy secretary from now until the foreseeable future. Happily,”hesaid.
Trump raised the idea with Perry on Monday but did not offer him the job, according to one White House official. Trump has been angry with Shulkin, the official said, but is known to float staffing changes without always following through.