{"id":61779,"date":"2018-04-24T21:28:42","date_gmt":"2018-04-24T21:28:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/04\/24\/watchdog-report-points-to-power-struggle-involving-va-secretary-pick\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T11:47:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T11:47:01","slug":"watchdog-report-points-to-power-struggle-involving-va-secretary-pick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/veterans\/2018\/04\/24\/watchdog-report-points-to-power-struggle-involving-va-secretary-pick\/","title":{"rendered":"His nomination in peril, Jackson fights for VA post"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WASHINGTON \u2014 His nomination in peril, Veterans Affairs nominee Ronny Jackson fought Tuesday to convince lawmakers of his leadership abilities as more details emerged over his<a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/veterans\/2018\/04\/24\/va-secretary-nomination-in-doubt-as-allegations-of-misbehavior-emerge\/\" title=\"\" class=\"selected-link\" target=\"_blank\" data-original-title=\"\" aria-describedby=\"popover977290\"> alleged misconduct<\/a>, ranging from repeated drunkenness to a toxic work environment, as he served as a top White House doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Donald Trump sent mixed signals about his choice to lead the sprawling veterans\u2019 agency, suggesting during a White House news conference that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/veterans\/2018\/04\/24\/trump-suggests-jackson-may-drop-out-of-va-secretary-confirmation-process\/\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">Jackson may want to withdraw<\/a> because of unfair scrutiny. But the president privately urged his nominee to keep fighting to win Senate confirmation, and Jackson showed few signs of backing down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A watchdog report requested in 2012 and reviewed by The Associated Press found that Jackson and a rival physician exhibited \u201cunprofessional behaviors\u201d as they engaged in a power struggle over the White House medical unit. The six-page report by the Navy\u2019s Medical Inspector General found a lack of trust in the leadership and low morale among staff members, who described the working environment as \u201cbeing caught between parents going through a bitter divorce.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere is a severe and pervasive lack of trust in the leadership that has deteriorated to the point that staff walk on \u2018eggshells,\u2018\u201d the assessment found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The inspector general report reviewed by The AP included no references to improper prescribing of drugs or the use of alcohol, separate allegations revealed by a Senate committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The audit appeared to contradict public statements from Jackson, who declined Tuesday to answer reporters\u2019 questions about the allegations. He gave no indication he would withdraw and denied the existence of any inspector general report detailing troubling behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee abruptly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/veterans\/2018\/04\/24\/senate-postpones-confirmation-hearing-for-va-secretary-nominee-casting-doubt-over-his-future\/\" title=\"\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\">postponed his confirmation hearing<\/a>, which had been set for Wednesday, Jackson visited lawmakers to assure them he was fit to lead the VA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to getting it rescheduled and answering everybody\u2019s questions,\u201d he said in video captured by MSNBC, referring to his hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During a White House news conference, Trump insisted he would stand behind Jackson, calling the White House doctor \u201cone of the finest people that I have met.\u201d But he questioned why Jackson would want to put himself through the confirmation fight, which he characterized as unfair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI wouldn\u2019t do it,\u201d Trump said in the East Room, standing next to French President Emmanuel Macron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat does he need it for? What do you need this for? To be abused by a bunch of politicians that aren\u2019t thinking nicely about our country?\u201d Trump asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/veterans\/2018\/04\/02\/white-house-doctor-could-face-the-most-contentious-va-confirmation-process-ever\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AP_18092588799359.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">White House doctor could face the most contentious VA confirmation process ever<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">No VA Secretary pick has ever received an opposition vote in the Senate. Will Dr. Ronny Jackson become the first?<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trump said Jackson, who has been a White House physician since 2006, would make a decision soon. Jackson met privately with Trump Tuesday afternoon in the Oval Office and the president urged him to keep fighting to win confirmation, according to a White House official briefed on the meeting. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions, said Jackson denied the allegations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Digging in, the White House released handwritten reports from Trump and former President Barack Obama praising Jackson\u2019s leadership and medical care, and recommending him for promotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obama wrote in one report, \u201cPromote to Rear Admiral now.\u201d Trump wrote last year that Jackson is \u201cA GREAT DOCTOR + LEADER &#8211; \u20182 STAR MATERIAL.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-905779040.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-905779040.jpg.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-905779040.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-905779040.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, physician to President Donald Trump, speaks during the daily White House press briefing on Jan. 26, 2018, at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House. (Alex Wong\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The White House also disputed allegations that Jackson improperly administered medication, saying the medical unit passed regular audits by the Controlled Substance Inventory Board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A doomed VA nomination would be a political blow to the White House, which has faced criticism for sloppy vetting of Cabinet nominees and tough confirmation battles in a Senate where Republicans hold a slim 51-49 majority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to Jackson\u2019s nomination, Trump had told aides and outside advisers that he was fond of Jackson personally and was said to be particularly impressed with Jackson\u2019s performance at the White House press room podium in January, when he offered a glowing report on the president\u2019s physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the American people were the losers in a shaky nomination effort. The Trump Cabinet, he said, \u201cis turning into a sad game of musical chairs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trump tapped Jackson last month after firing former Obama administration official David Shulkin following an ethics scandal and mounting rebellion within the agency. But Jackson has faced numerous questions from Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as veterans groups, about whether he has the experience to manage the massive department of 360,000 employees serving 9 million veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/veterans\/2018\/03\/28\/trumps-surprise-pick-for-the-next-va-secretary-raises-questions\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"195\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AP18012779445824.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Trump\u2019s surprise pick for the next VA secretary raises questions<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, the White House physician, is a relative unknown in the veterans community.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allegations began surfacing late last week involving Jackson\u2019s workplace practices, including claims of inappropriate behavior and over-prescribing prescription drugs, according to two aides granted anonymity to discuss the situation. The complaints the White House heard include that he oversaw a poor work environment and that he had drunk alcohol on the job, according to an administration official who demanded anonymity to speak on a sensitive personnel matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee said it would postpone indefinitely Jackson\u2019s hearing to give it more time to sort through the allegations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detailing the allegations to NPR, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, the committee\u2019s top Democrat, said more than 20 current and retired military personnel had made complaints to the committee about Jackson. They included claims that Jackson was \u201crepeatedly drunk\u201d while on travel with Obama and that on overseas trips he excessively handed out prescription drugs to help travelers sleep and wake up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tester later told CNN that Jackson was known inside the White House as \u201cthe candy man,\u201d because he would hand out prescription drugs \u201clike candy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jackson is also accused of creating a \u201ctoxic work environment,\u201d Tester said on NPR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe is the physician for the president, and in the previous administration we were told the stories he was repeatedly drunk while on duty, where his main job was to take care of the most powerful man in the world. That\u2019s not acceptable,\u201d Tester said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Asked if Jackson\u2019s nomination is still viable, the committee chairman, Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., responded, \u201cWe\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two lawmakers sent a letter to Trump on Tuesday requesting additional information about Jackson. It demands any communication between the Pentagon and the White House for the last 12 years regarding \u201callegations or incidents\u201d involving him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2012 assessment reviewed by the AP suggested the White House consider replacing Jackson or Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman \u2014 or both. Kuhlman was the physician to Obama at the time, and had previously held the role occupied by Jackson: director of the White House medical unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the report, Jackson admitted he had failed to shield the White House medical unit from the leadership drama. He is quoted saying he was willing to do what was necessary to straighten out the command, even if it \u201cmeant finding a new position in Navy Medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report stated that the \u201cvast majority\u201d of those interviewed said Kuhlman had \u201cirrevocably damaged his ability to effectively lead.\u201d It added that \u201cmany also believe that CAPT Jackson has exhibited poor leadership,\u201d but attributed those failures to the relationship with Kuhlman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report quoted unnamed members of the White House medical unit who, while participating in a focus group, used phrases like \u201cWorst command ever,\u201d \u2033No one trusts anyone\u201d and \u201cThe leaders are child-like.\u201d Jackson was named physician to the President in 2013, after Kuhlman left the unit entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, a follow-up assessment was done in 2013, and found that the climate in the office had improved a great deal, according to an official familiar with the report. At that point, Jackson was still in the office, but Kuhlman had left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><i>Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Catherine Lucey, Lolita Baldor, Alan Fram and Matthew Daly contributed to this report.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Veterans Affairs nominee Ronny Jackson fought Tuesday to convince lawmakers of his leadership abilities as more details emerged over his alleged misconduct, ranging from repeated drunkenness to a toxic work environment, as he served as a top White House doctor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":99285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_acf":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":21,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_smg_distribution_targets":[]},"categories":[101,16,26,65,21],"tags":[],"coauthors":[1900,1211,2278],"class_list":["post-61779","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-news-roundup","category-news","category-newsletters","category-pentagon-congress","category-veterans"],"acf":{"subheadline":"","legacy_arc_id":"BNANUY3UYBBPFBALP2RURKKVVM","arc_canonical_url":"\/veterans\/2018\/04\/24\/watchdog-report-points-to-power-struggle-involving-va-secretary-pick\/","remove_feature_photo":false,"is_sponsored":false,"subtype":"","redirect_url":"","disable_inline_ads":false,"native_logo_pretext":"Presented By:"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>His nomination in peril, Jackson fights for VA post - Air Force TImes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Veterans Affairs nominee Ronny Jackson fought Tuesday to convince lawmakers of his leadership abilities as more details emerged over his alleged misconduct, ranging from repeated drunkenness to a toxic work environment, as he served as a top White House doctor.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"His nomination in peril, Jackson fights for VA post\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Veterans Affairs nominee Ronny Jackson fought Tuesday to convince 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