President Donald Trump announced on Twitter Thursday that he is nominating Admiral Ronny L. Jackson as his new secretary of Veterans Affairs, thus ousting David Shulkin from the position.
Jackson served as the physician to both Presidents Obama and Trump, and he was also a physician in the Bush White House. Shulkin has faced controversy over expensive trips he took with his wife on the department's dime, and it had been reported that Trump was considering a change.
I am pleased to announce that I intend to nominate highly respected Admiral Ronny L. Jackson, MD, as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2018
Trump thanked Shulkin for his service and named the Defense Department's Robert Wilkie to serve as acting secretary.
....In the interim, Hon. Robert Wilkie of DOD will serve as Acting Secretary. I am thankful for Dr. David Shulkin’s service to our country and to our GREAT VETERANS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2018
Jackson's awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and more.
Shulkin previously served as undersecretary of Veterans Affairs for Health during the Obama administration and was confirmed to lead the VA with a 100-0 vote.