Embattled Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki announced Friday morning he will be firing officials working in the Phoenix VA facility, one of the first places gross misconduct and secret wait lists were found. At least 26 VA hospitals across the country had the same wait list policies. During a speech to veterans this morning in Washington D.C., Shinseki apologized and said he will not defend what happened, that the problems at the VA are not isolated and that the situation and lack of integrity is unacceptable. Earlier this month, Shinseki defended the VA in front of Congress. Shinseki's apology and announcement came just moments before meeting with President Obama at the White House. More from Fox News:
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki announced Friday that he would oust senior leaders at the embattled Phoenix VA, ahead of a private meeting with President Obama where the two are expected to have a "serious conversation" about whether Shinseki himself can stay in the job.
The two plan to meet at 10:15 a.m. ET in the Oval Office. Obama, in an interview, said he planned to ask Shinseki whether he was "prepared and has the capacity" to fix sweeping problems in the VA's nationwide health care system. The president has faced mounting calls from members of both parties to remove Shinseki.
Yesterday White House Press Secretary Jay Carney was asked if the President still has full confidence in Shinseki. Carney refused to give a direct answer. Carney also said President Obama is waiting on another report before making any decisions about personnel changes. Republicans and Democrats in Capitol Hill have called for Shinseki to resign in addition to a number of veterans groups.