Ronny Jackson withdraws from VA nomination

Jackson said that under this administration, the false allegations were able to distract President Trump from going forward with his confirmation process, which he says would ensure the best care is given to veterans.

Jackson’s confirmation hearings were delayed indefinitely after allegations emerged against him for workplace misconduct. The longtime White House physician has been accused of handing out prescription pain medications and working drunk on the job.

“The allegations against me are completely false and fabricated,” Jackson said in his statement.

When Fox News asked if Trump knew who he was going to nominate for VA secretary next, President Trump said, “I do, actually.”

“I better not give it, maybe I do it on next call. I think we’ll have somebody great. Somebody that is more – look, the admiral is not a politician, which is what I liked,” Trump said, indicating that the next nominee would be someone with “political capability.”

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, of Montana, on Thursday said he is ready to help find the next VA secretary who he says should be committed to standing up to special interest groups that want to privatize the VA. Tester was one of the main reasons Jackson’s nomination was withdrawn, after he gave damning interviews on Jackson’s drinking and work history to CNN.

“My sleeves are rolled up and I’m ready to work with Chairman Isakson to vet and confirm a Secretary who is fit to run the VA,” Tester said in a statement posted to Twitter.