American Veterans, a veterans service organization, is worried about President Trump’s decision to nominate White House physician and Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson as secretary of Veterans Affairs.
“I am deeply concerned about the nominee. Veterans’ lives depend on this decision, and the Trump administration need to substantiate that this active-duty Navy officer is qualified to run a $200 billion bureaucracy, the second largest agency in the government,” AMVETS Executive Director Joe Chenelly said in a statement Wednesday.
Trump on Wednesday announced the ouster of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, the only member of Trump’s Cabinet that stayed from the Obama administration.
AMVETS’ statement bemoaned the high turnover at VA over the past four years.
The group, which claims to have more than 250,000 members nationwide, also said it was uncertain whether Jackson has the right experience and leadership to lead the agency.
AMVETS vowed to continue fighting for “responsible reforms.”
“On behalf of all 20 million American Veterans, AMVETS is going to keep working to ensure responsible reforms at the VA that guarantee veterans have timely access to high-quality healthcare,” Chenelly added.
AMVETS statement regarding @POTUS @realDonaldTrump ousting Former #VA Secretary David #Shulkin: pic.twitter.com/DFxJ2YJgmj
— AMVETS (@AMVETSHQ) March 28, 2018
Trump announced earlier Wednesday that Jackson, who has been the White House physician for former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, as well as Trump, would be nominated to replace Shulkin.
“I am pleased to announce that I intend to nominate highly respected Admiral Ronny L. Jackson, MD, as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In the interim, Hon. Robert Wilkie of DOD will serve as Acting Secretary. I am thankful for Dr. David Shulkin’s service to our country and to our GREAT VETERANS!” Trump tweeted earlier Wednesday.
As the nominee, Jackson faces a Senate confirmation process. Robert Wilkie, the current undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, will serve as acting secretary of Veterans Affairs until Jackson is confirmed.
