An inspector general report requested by Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, President Trump’s nominee to helm the Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2012 reportedly found that he and another White House doctor demonstrated “unprofessional behaviors” while serving in the White House medical unit under former President Barack Obama.
The Associated Press reviewed the six-page report from the Navy’s medical inspector general, which raised the possibility of the White House replacing either Jackson or Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, a rival physician, or perhaps both of them.
The work environment was described by staffers working with Jackson and Kuhlman as “being caught between parents going through a bitter divorce,” according to the Associated Press. The report also identified a “lack of trust” in leadership and low morale.
“There is a severe and pervasive lack of trust in the leadership that has deteriorated to the point that staff walk on ‘eggshells,’” the report stated, according to the Associated Press.
White House medical unit staff used terms like “Worst command ever,” “No one trusts anyone,” and “The leaders are child-like” when partaking in a focus group, according to the watchdog report.
The report found that Jackson acknowledged he had failed to protect White House medical unit members from the discord among leadership. Jackson reportedly said he would take whatever steps necessary to fix the issues within the unit, even if it “meant finding a new position in Navy Medicine.”
According to the Associated Press, most people interviewed by the watchdog said Kuhlman, the rival doctor, had “irrevocably damaged his ability to effectively lead” and said “many also believe that CAPT Jackson has exhibited poor leadership.”
The issues with Jackson’s leadership, though, were attributed to his relationship with Kuhlman.
Trump named Jackson as his nominee for secretary of Veterans Affairs last month following David Shulkin’s ouster.
Jackson worked in the White House under Presidents George W. Bush and Obama, and serves as the White House physician under Trump.
The Navy rear admiral has come under scrutiny from senators for what they say is a lack of experience. Jackson is also facing allegations of drinking on the job and improperly handing out medication.
During a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, Trump suggested Jackson may abandon his bid to oversee the Department of Veterans Affairs following the questions over his experience and conduct.
“I don’t want to put a man through a process like this,” Trump said. “It’s too ugly and too disgusting.”
The president said it’s “totally [Jackson’s] decision” whether to withdraw his name from consideration.
