Ronny Jackson Withdraws Name For VA Head With Pointed Remarks

WASHINGTON, DC — White House doctor Ronny Jackson has withdrawn his nomination to head the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs amid allegations he created a hostile work environment, drank too much on the job and over-prescribed prescription drugs. In a statement released to media outlets on Thursday morning, Jackson said he will forever be grateful for the trust and confidence President Donald Trump placed in him by giving him the opportunity.

Jackson also insisted the allegations against him, which only recently came to light, are false.

"Unfortunately, because of how Washington works, these false allegations have become a distraction for this President and the important issue we must be addressing — how we give the best care to our nation's heroes."

On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs indefinitely postponed a hearing to consider his nomination upon learning of the allegations. Jackson also faced questions about whether he had enough experience to manage the VA, which has 360,000 workers and serves 9 million veterans.

A summary of accusations compiled by Democratic staff on the committee said Jackson even wrecked a government vehicle while intoxicated on a Secret Service going-away party. He also was accused of doling out a large supply of a prescription opioids to a White House military staff member.

Additionally, the memo said that on at least one occasion, no one could find Jackson on an overseas trip when his medical help was needed because "he was passed out drunk in his hotel room."

The summary was based on conversations with 23 of his current and former colleagues at the White House Medical Unit.

Marc Short, the White House legislative director, previously suggested that Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana publicized the allegations for political gain.

"It's quite unusual for a United States senator to take allegations that have not been fully investigated, but to flaunt them to the national public to suggest he's the 'candyman' I think is outrageous."

In a phone call to the show "Fox and Friends," on Thursday, Trump called Jackson a "highly respected" admiral and a "real leader." He said Jackson's withdrawal will be a headache for the state of Montana due to the role Democratic Sen. Jon Tester had in the withdrawal.

“And I watched Jon Tester of Montana, a state I won by over 20 points, they love me and I love them. Jon Tester, I think this is going to cause him a lot of problems in his state. He took a man who is an incredible man, an incredible man” and smeared him, The New York Times reported.

Trump also maintained "there is no proof" of the allegations against Jackson.

NEW: Jackson Statement on Withdrawal pic.twitter.com/lGIDKjbecb
— Fin Gomez (@finnygo) April 26, 2018

Trump on Jackson:

"Jon Tester, I think this is going to cause him a lot of problem in his state ... I think Jon Tester has to have a big price to pay in Montana."

President says "there is no proof of" allegations against Jackson.
— Jordan Fabian (@Jordanfabian) April 26, 2018

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