Before President Trump tapped White House physician Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson to be Veterans Affairs secretary, he had been nominated to receive a second star in the Navy.
At the time there was a question as to whether Jackson would receive his promotion before retiring to head the VA as a civilian.
Now thereâs a question whether he will get the promotion at all, and whether he will continue in his current assignment as the presidentâs personal doctor.
“Admiral Jackson is a doctor in the United States Navy assigned to the White House and is here at work today,” White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement Thursday morning.
Ivanka Trump also tweeted her support of Jackson.
Admiral Ronny Jackson is a man of exceptional integrity, character and intellect. We are grateful for his long and distinguished service to our Nation and look forward to continuing to see his warm smile each day at the White House!
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) April 26, 2018
If it were up to President Trump, there would likely be no problem. âHe’s one of the finest people that I have met,â Trump said of Jackson this week, when allegations against him first began to surface.
Among other things, Jackson has been accused of dispensing the opioid painkiller Percocet without a prescription, and wrecking a government car after drinking too much at Secret Service going away party.
As a doctor, Jackson has the authority to prescribe and dispense prescription drugs, as long as the required paperwork is completed later, Navy officials say.
Whether those allegations, which grew more serious as the week wore one, will sink Jacksonâs Navy career depends on whether the Navy decides to investigate the claims from more than 20 current and retired military officers, and whether even if cleared, the Senate Armed Services committee will approve the promotion.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced on March 23 that Jackson was nominated to receive a second star.
A single senator could put a hold on the nomination if there are questions about Jackson’s conduct or judgment.
In theory Jackson, a favorite of the president, could continue in his current position as either a one or two-star admiral, although usually a promotion brings another assignment.
Thereâs also the question of how Jackson can work with the current White House medical staff, given that some, or even many of them, privately complained to Congress about his alleged âtoxic leadership.â
âIt’s going to take a lot of internal discipline for Jackson to refrain from retaliation against anyone he suspects of dropping a dime on him,â said one retired Navy flag officer.
Jacksonâs future career path in the Navy is now uncertain.
Promoting him and giving him another high-profile assignment might invite a political backlash on Capitol Hill, the officer said.
The Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Jackson’s future Thursday morning. The Defense Department referred questions to the Navy.
