Jackson withdraws from consideration for VA chief
WASHINGTON – Ronny Jackson, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, withdrew Thursday in the wake of late-surfacing allegations about overprescribing drugs and poor leadership while serving as a top White House doctor, saying the “false allegations” against him have become a distraction.
In a statement the White House issued from Jackson, he said he “did not expect to have to dignify baseless and anonymous attacks on my character and integrity.”
Shortly after Jackson dropped out, Trump called into the “Fox & Friends” morning show to praise Jackson as an “incredible man” who “runs a fantastic operation.”
Now under consideration for the VA secretary post is former Rep. Jeff Miller, who previously chaired the House Veterans Affairs committee, according to two White House officials who insisted on anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
Trump said Jackson had a “beautiful record” and that there was no proof of the allegations and criticizing the top Democrat on a Senate panel who was investigation the allegations. Said Trump, “I think Jon Tester has a big price to pay.” The president declined to say who he may nominate next.
Trump selected Jackson, to head the VA last month after abruptly firing former Obama administration official David Shulkin after an ethics scandal.