Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, MD, the White House physician nominated for secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, has come under fire recently after allegations of misconduct, and though President Donald Trump has seemed to falter in his support, White House officials have not, according to The Hill.
Senators postponed Dr. Jackson's confirmation hearing scheduled for April 25 after current and former White House medical staff accused Dr. Jackson of creating a hostile work environment through excessive drinking on the job and improper distribution of medication. Dr. Jackson has also been accused of drunkenly knocking on a female employee's hotel room door during an overseas trip in 2015, according to CNN.
Dr. Jackson has faced questions about his managerial qualifications since his nomination was first announced, but as allegations of improper conduct lead lawmakers to further scrutinize him, President Trump has said it might not be worth Dr. Jackson's time to further pursue the nomination.
"What does he need it for? To be abused by a bunch of politicians that aren't thinking nicely about our country?" President Trump said April 24, according to The Hill. "I really don't think, personally, he should do it. But it's totally his — I would stand behind him — totally his decision."
However, White House officials reiterated their support for Dr. Jackson later that same day.
"Dr. Jackson's record as a White House physician is impeccable," said a senior White House official, according to The Hill. "He has improved unit morale, received glowing reviews and promotions under Republican and Democrat presidents, and has been given a clean vet from the FBI."