NEW: VA Secretary Nominee’s Hearing Postponed ‘Indefinitely’ Over Allegations of Misconduct
The confirmation hearing for Dr. Ronny Jackson, President Trump‘s pick for VA Secretary, has reportedly been postponed “indefinitely” over allegations of misconduct that Senators are currently reviewing.
CNN reported on Tuesday morning that Jackson, the White House physician, who was supposed to have his hearing on Wednesday, would have his hearing postponed indefinitely.
That comes after CBS News correspondent Steve Dorsey reported some of the specific allegations against Jackson:
Just In: 2 sources confirm to @nancycordes and @edokeefe Sen Vet Affairs Comm is reviewing allegations against Ronny Jackson which include a hostile work environment, excessive drinking on the job and improperly dispensing meds.
— Steve Dorsey (@steve_dorsey) April 24, 2018
The Washington Post first reported on Monday that new information regarding Jackson had come to the attention of lawmakers.
Senators apparently have concerns about Jackson’s “qualifications and oversight of the White House medical staff,” though CNN is reporting that there are “allegations related to improper conduct in various stages of his career” being looked into:
Two Republican sources with direct knowledge of the situation say the White House is aware that both Democratic and Republican lawmakers are looking into potential problems. Republican lawmakers and aides on the committee say they are also grappling with the allegations, trying to assess what they mean for Jackson’s nomination to the post…
“There are reasons, as there are with every presidential appointee, for very close scrutiny and vetting. We need to know if allegations raised by others may have some factual basis. That’s the process of vetting that has to occur,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, as he left the meeting, which lasted about a half hour.
“We need to be asking questions and there need to be answers,” he added. “At this point we are dealing with some fairly raw allegations and we need to know if there is factual support for it.”
And Axios reported yesterday that the White House is “aware of specific concerns about Jackson’s professional conduct in the Navy.”
[image via screengrab]
— —
