Just days ahead of the scheduled confirmation hearing for U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and longtime White House Doctor Ronny Jackson to become the next Secretary of Veteran's Affairs, anonymous allegations of professional misconduct have surfaced in news report.
Jackson is accused of drinking on the job and improperly prescribing prescription drugs like Ambien to White House staffers on foreign trips. The accusations prompted the delay of the hearing.
President Trump is standing by Jackson, who has vowed to fight under fire for his confirmation.
It can be said that Jackson is the most trusted man in Washington D.C. After all, he's been responsible for the health of the President of the United States for nearly two decades. He's the definition of bipartisan and has received praise from Republican and Democrat Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump for his work and character.
In fact, President Obama signed off on Jackson's fitness for duty reports year after year during his time in the Oval Office. Further he suggested he be promoted early.
“Ronny does a great job – genuine enthusiasm, poised under pressure, incredible work ethic and follow through. Ronny continues to inspire confidence with the care he provides to me, my family and my team. Continue to promote ahead of peers,” Obama wrote in 2016.
"ABSOLUTELY THE BEST! PROMOTE TO FLAG IMMEDIATELY," Obama wrote in 2015. “Ronny’s positive impact cannot be overstated. He is a tremendous asset to the entire White House team. Already at a level of performance and responsibility that exceeds his current rank, promote to Rear Admiral now.”
“Exceptional Physician and Naval Officer!” Obama wrote in 2014. “A key member of my staff since my first day in office, Ronny is one of my administration’s most trusted advisors...I consider this consummate professional a national asset."
The White House is releasing hand-written reports from Obama and Trump praising Jackson’s leadership and medical care, and that they each recommended him for early promotion. pic.twitter.com/Kp5cAzhbbF
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) April 24, 2018
Further, the FBI has repeatedly cleared him.
Jon Tester, top Democrat on Senate Veterans Affairs, tells @mkraju that the FBI background investigation into Ronny Jackson is “ clean” - and that there are no issues of concern in the background check.
— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) April 24, 2018
Panel inquiring about other complaints to see if they can be corroborated
Although Jackson's confirmation hearing has been delayed, it is not expected to be cancelled. As of now, Senators have not called for him to withdraw his nomination.
.@KellyannePolls on VA Secretary nominee: "Dr. Jackson's made clear that he wants to fight. We can not allow anyone to be criticized and vetted and concluded upon in the press or just through allegations." #SpecialReport https://t.co/pX2A9jj4KY pic.twitter.com/WSbu3vjlHB
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 25, 2018
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