‘Allegations’ delay VA nominee hearing

Trump calls senators ‘vicious group of people’

WASHINGTON – Lawmakers delayed the confirmation hearing of Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, amid concerns about his record.

Trump said he was leaving the decision up to Jackson about whether to continue the process.

Senate VA Committee leaders said Tuesday that they had received “serious allegations” about Jackson’s service as a naval and White House physician.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., the highest-ranking Democrat on the committee, told NPR there were complaints that Jackson oversaw a hostile work environment, allowed the improper prescription of drugs and drank on the job.

An investigation by the Navy’s medical inspector general concluded in 2012 that Jackson exhibited “unprofessional behaviors” and suggested the White House consider replacing him, according to the investigation report. Jackson has served as a White House doctor since 2006.

Trump said he hadn’t heard of the “particular allegations,” but he called Jackson “one of the finest people I have met” and ripped senators for questioning his record.

“I told Adm. Jackson just a little while ago, I said, ‘What do you need this for?’ This is a vicious group of people,” the president said. “He’s an admiral, he’s a great leader. And they question him about every little thing.”

Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Tester wrote a letter to Trump on Tuesday asking for documentation “regarding allegations or incidents involving Rear Admiral Jackson from 2006 to present.”

“It is our privilege to serve veterans and their families and it is our duty to ensure that the individual who serves as Secretary of Veterans Affairs is qualified, capable, and appropriate for the position,” they wrote.

They postponed the confirmation hearing scheduled for Wednesday. No future hearing date was set.

Tester said the earliest the committee could finish its review would probably be 10 days.

“We’re still working on the vetting,” he said.

It was unclear whether the nomination would survive that long.

Trump said he was reticent to subject Jackson to the public gantlet required to continue, but “it’s totally his decision.”

The president picked Jackson to take over the VA after he ousted Secretary David Shulkin last month.

The White House issued a statement late Tuesday fighting back against the allegations and noting that Jackson has received glowing performance evaluations since the 2012 report.

Still, Democrats criticized the White House for failing to adequately vet Jackson before forwarding his nomination to the Senate.

ALEX BRANDON/AP President Trump said he would leave the decision up to Ronny Jackson on whether to continue the confirmation process.