Ronny Jackson withdraws from consideration for VA chief
In a statement the
Shortly after Jackson dropped out, President
Trump said Jackson had a "beautiful record" and that there was no proof of the allegations. Added Trump, "I think
Asked whether Jackson will remain on the job as
Jackson faced a series of accusations about his workplace conduct. The latest blow to his nomination to lead the government's second-largest
Based on conversations with 23 of Jackson's current and former colleagues at the White House Medical Unit, the summary said Jackson exhibited a pattern of recklessly prescribing drugs and drunken behavior, including crashing a government vehicle while intoxicated and doling out such a large supply of a prescription opioid that staffers panicked because they thought the drugs were missing.
In just a matter of days, the allegations transformed Jackson's reputation as a celebrated doctor attending the president to an embattled nominee accused of drinking on the job and over-prescribing drugs. He was seen pacing back and forth on the
Jackson huddled late Wednesday evening with top
A former colleague who spoke to The Associated Press described Jackson as a gregarious, Type A charmer who knew how to position himself for success — attentive to bosses but also causing unnecessary grief and consternation among colleagues.
He said Jackson became known as "Candyman" because of the way he handed out drugs. The ex-colleague spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of retaliation.
The "Candyman" nickname was also cited in the summary released by the
In a section on Jackson's prescribing practices, the summary said that in one case, missing Percocet tabs threw members of the White House Medical Unit into a panic — but it turned out he had prescribed a "large supply" of the opioid to a White House Military Office staffer.
The allegations also referred to multiple incidents of Jackson's intoxication while on duty, often on overseas trips. On at least one occasion he was nowhere to be found when his medical help was needed because "he was passed out drunk in his hotel room," according to the summary.
At a
Jackson has denied allegations of bad behavior.
"I never wrecked a car," he said. "I have no idea where that is coming from."
Reports of overprescribing and alcohol-related behavior problems can jeopardize a doctor's license. Many state medical boards allow doctors to keep their licenses and return to practice if they complete special treatment programs and submit to random urine screens.
The allegations were publicly released on the day that Jackson's confirmation hearing was to have been held. The hearing was postponed indefinitely while the allegations against him are reviewed.
"He treated the people above him very, very well. He treated the people below him very, very poorly," Sen.
Sanders said Wednesday that Jackson had passed "at least four independent background checks" that found "no areas of concern."
"He has received more vetting than most nominees," she said.
But Short also suggested Tester was airing the allegations for political gain.
"It's quite unusual for a
Tester, speaking on
"Am I 100% rock solid sure that he did this? No," Tester said. "But I've seen a pattern here that continues on and on and on."
Veterans groups are dismayed over the continuing uncertainty at the
"The
A watchdog report requested in 2012 and reviewed by the AP found that Jackson and a rival physician exhibited "unprofessional behaviors" as they engaged in a power struggle over the
That report by the
It included no references to improper prescribing of drugs or the use of alcohol, as alleged in the summary compiled by the Senate Democratic staff members.
The
Trump's first
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