VA nominee Ronny Jackson said the allegations against him are false. J. Scott Applewhite/AP
VA Secretary Nominee Withdraws Following Misconduct Allegations
The allegations against Jackson included drinking on the job and overseeing a toxic workplace environment.
President Trump's nominee to lead the Veterans Affairs Department withdrew on Thursday, following allegations of improper misconduct including drinking on the job and overseeing a toxic workplace environment.
Trump told "Fox and Friends" he was not surprised Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson had bowed out and that it was a "disgrace" how he had been treated.
"Going into this process, I expected tough questions about how to best care for our veterans, but I did not expect to have to dignify baseless and anonymous attacks on my character and integrity," Jackson said in a statement. "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 had been scheduled to have a confirmation hearing on Wednesday, but that was delayed indefinitely after the allegations about his professional conduct came to light. Even before that, many lawmakers had questions about whether he had enough management experience to run a large department.
President Trump nominated Jackson in a surprise move last month after dismissing David Shulkin.