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Dr. Ronny Jackson Withdraws His Nomination As VA Secretary

White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson / Getty
April 26, 2018

White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson released a statement on Thursday to announce he is withdrawing his nomination to lead the Department of Veteran Affairs.

"While I will forever be grateful for the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me by giving me this opportunity, I am regretfully withdrawing my nomination to be Secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs," Jackson's statement reads.

Jackson's withdrawal comes after multiple allegations of misconduct surfaced. A recent report by the Democratic staff from the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee lists numerous allegations of overperscribing prescription drugs, creating a hostile work environment, and drinking on the job.

The New York Times reports the summary of allegations was backed up by testimony from 23 current and former colleagues of Jackson.

Committee staff members say the summary details the testimony of 23 current and former colleagues of Dr. Jackson, many of whom are still in the military.

An aide to Senator Jon Tester of Montana, the top Democrat on the committee, said each allegation included in the document was based on information provided by two or more individuals.

In his statement, Jackson maintained he is not guilty of any wrongdoing and that the allegations against him are false.

"In my role as a doctor, I have tirelessly worked to provide excellent care for all my patients. In doing so, I have always adhered to the highest ethical standards," his statement reads. "Unfortunately, because of how Washington works, these false allegations have become a distraction for this President and the important issue we must be addressing - how we give the best care to our nation's heroes."

Back in January, White House reporters asked Jackson an array of questions about the results of Trump's periodic physical evaluation. Some reporters were skeptical of Jackson's answers, which led former Obama officials to come his defense.