Mixed signals from Trump on VA nominee as allegations build
President
A watchdog report requested in 2012 and reviewed by The Associated Press found that Jackson and a rival physician exhibited "unprofessional behaviors" as they engaged in a power struggle over the
"There is a severe and pervasive lack of trust in the leadership that has deteriorated to the point that staff walk on 'eggshells,'" the assessment found.
The inspector general report reviewed by The AP included no references to improper prescribing of drugs or the use of alcohol, separate allegations revealed by a
Jackson declined to answer reporters' questions about those allegations and gave no indication he would withdraw. The
The audit appeared to contradict public statements from Jackson, who denied the existence of any inspector general report detailing troubling behavior.
"He did tell me that any allegation related to alcohol, what his answer to me was, 'I have never had a drink while I'm on duty,'" Moran said in a telephone interview. Moran said Jackson told him when he's off duty, "he might have a beer with his steak" when he's out to dinner.
"But on the day on which he's on duty, he told me he had never had a drink," Moran said.
After the
"I'm looking forward to getting it rescheduled and answering everybody's questions," he said in video captured by
During a
"I wouldn't do it," Trump said in the
"What does he need it for? What do you need this for? To be abused by a bunch of politicians that aren't thinking nicely about our country?" Trump asked.
Trump said Jackson, who has been a
Digging in, the
Obama wrote in one report, "Promote to Rear Admiral now." Trump wrote last year that Jackson is "A GREAT DOCTOR + LEADER - '2 STAR MATERIAL.'"
A doomed
Prior to Jackson's nomination, Trump had told aides and outside advisers that he was fond of Jackson personally and was said to be particularly impressed with Jackson's performance at the
Senate Minority Leader
Trump tapped Jackson last month after firing former Obama administration official
Allegations began surfacing late last week involving Jackson's workplace practices, including claims of inappropriate behavior and over-prescribing prescription drugs, according to two aides granted anonymity to discuss the situation. The complaints the
The
Detailing the allegations to
Tester later told CNN that Jackson was known inside the
Jackson is also accused of creating a "toxic work environment," Tester said on
"He is the physician for the president, and in the previous administration we were told the stories he was repeatedly drunk while on duty, where his main job was to take care of the most powerful man in the world. That's not acceptable," Tester said.
Asked if Jackson's nomination is still viable, the committee chairman, Sen.
The two lawmakers sent a letter to Trump on Tuesday requesting additional information about Jackson. It demands any communication between the Pentagon and the
The 2012 assessment reviewed by the AP suggested the
According to the report, Jackson admitted he had failed to shield the
The report stated that the "vast majority" of those interviewed said Kuhlman had "irrevocably damaged his ability to effectively lead." It added that "many also believe that CAPT Jackson has exhibited poor leadership," but attributed those failures to the relationship with Kuhlman.
The report quoted unnamed members of the
Still, a follow-up assessment was done in 2013, and found that the climate in the office had improved a great deal, according to an official familiar with the report. At that point, Jackson was still in the office, but Kuhlman had left.
Parts of city designated “Opportunity Zones”
Women Should Plan To Live To 100, Financially Speaking
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News