White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said allegations of misconduct made against Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, President Trump’s nominee for secretary of Veterans Affairs, by whistleblowers never once came up in four separate background investigations he’s undergone.
“Dr. Jackson’s record as a White House physician has been impeccable. In fact, because Dr. Jackson has worked within arm’s reach of three presidents, he has received more vetting than most nominees,” Sanders told reporters during Wednesday’s White House press briefing. “Given his unique position of trust and responsibility, Dr. Jackson’s background and character were evaluated during three different administrations.”
Jackson, who Trump nominated following David Shulkin’s ouster, is facing allegations he drank on the job, over-prescribed medication, and created a “toxic” work environment.
CNN reported Wednesday that during a trip overseas in 2015, Jackson drunkenly banged on a female employee’s hotel room door.
“None of those things have come up in the four separate background investigations that have taken place. There was no area of concern that was raised for Dr. Jackson,” Sanders told reporters.
The White House press secretary said a “pretty thorough vetting process” was conducted by the FBI and noted the three additional independent investigations that took place. But Sanders also said it’s the job of Congress to continue looking into Jackson’s background.
“That’s part of what the nomination process of Congress should do and what it’s supposed to look like and why they should move forward with a hearing,” Sanders said.
The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee postponed indefinitely Jackson’s confirmation hearing, which was supposed to take place Wednesday morning.
Speaking of the background investigations, Sanders said Jackson “received unanimous praise” from witnesses, and the investigations ultimately “revealed no areas of concern.”
“Dr. Jackson has received glowing evaluations from his superiors, including several from President Obama, such as ‘Dr. Jackson should continue to promote ahead of his peers and already at a level of performance and responsibility that exceeds his current rank,’” she said.
When asked whether the White House finds the allegations against Jackson to be credible, Sanders said she can only speak to the experiences of those in the Trump White House and the records available to them.
Jackson worked in the White House under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and is the White House physician for President Trump.
