The Defense Department has opened a formal investigation into White House physician Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson after several misconduct allegations came to light that sunk his bid to run the Department of Veterans Affairs, an inspector general spokesman said Monday.
The IG did not disclose the scope of the investigation, and Jackson has denied any wrongdoing.
Allegations surfaced while Jackson was still a nominee to head VA that he drank on the job and improperly dispensed medications. Jackson withdrew his nomination in April.
“The allegations against me are completely false and fabricated. If they had any merit, I would not have been selected, promoted and entrusted to serve in such a sensitive and important role as physician to three presidents over the past 12 years,” Jackson said in a statement announcing his withdrawal.
The investigation into “allegations related” to Jackson was confirmed by DOD IG spokesman Bruce Anderson.
Jackson was a surprise pick by Trump to head the long-troubled VA and sparked opposition from senators. The failed nomination led to criticism of poor vetting by the White House, though Jackson had served as presidential physician for years.
In May, Trump nominated Robert Wilkie, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, to head up the agency that oversees the health care of veterans across the country.
