Trump's VA secretary nominee is reportedly considering dropping out


President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, White House physician Ronny Jackson, is deciding whether to drop out of consideration, Trump told reporters Tuesday.
The Senate on Monday postponed Jackson's confirmation hearing following allegations that he drank excessively on the job, improperly dispensed medications, and created a hostile work environment, The Washington Post reports. Lawmakers were reportedly also concerned that Jackson is unqualified for the position because he lacks large-scale management skills.
Trump said that Jackson is "making a decision" on whether to remain in the mix, noting that "if I were him, I wouldn't do it." Trump said that he hadn't heard of the "particular allegations," but that he'd still support Jackson if he decided not to withdraw his nomination. "I don't think personally he should do it," Trump said of Jackson, characterizing a possible Senate investigation as an "ugly" and "disgusting" process. "What does he need it for? To be abused by a bunch of politicians?"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Jackson has told reporters that he wants to go through with a confirmation hearing. If Trump doesn't ask him to drop out, his hearing will be delayed until May at the earliest, CNN's Manu Raju notes, after senators complete an investigation into his qualifications and alleged misconduct.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
5 darkly funny cartoons about Israel blocking aid to Gaza
Cartoons Artists take on forcing famine, avoiding aid, and more
-
The easy elegance of Cap Ferret
The Week Recommends 'Elemental and otherworldly' destination is loved for its natural beauty
-
Volodymyr Zelenskyy: flirting with authoritarianism?
Talking Point Ukraine's president is facing first major domestic unrest since the Russian invasion, over plans to water down the country's anti-corruption agencies
-
Trump revives K-12 Presidential Fitness Test
Speed Read The Obama administration phased the test out in 2012, replacing it with a program focused on overall health rather than standardized benchmarks
-
El Salvador scraps term limits, boosting Nayib Bukele
Speed Read New constitutional changes will allow presidents to seek reelection an indefinite number of times
-
Trump assigns tariffs, delays all except on Canada
Speed Read A 35% tariff on many Canadian goods has gone into effect
-
Harris rules out run for California governor
Speed Read The 2024 Democratic presidential nominee ended months of speculation about her plans for the contest
-
Trump sets new tariff rates as deadline nears
Speed Read New tariff rates for South Korea, Brazil and India announced
-
Ghislaine Maxwell: angling for a Trump pardon
Talking Point Convicted sex trafficker's testimony could shed new light on president's links to Jeffrey Epstein
-
Senate confirms Trump loyalist Bove to top court
Speed Read The president's former criminal defense lawyer was narrowly approved to earn a lifetime seat
-
Ghislaine Maxwell offers testimony for immunity
Speed Read The convicted sex trafficker offered to testify to Congress about her relationship with late boyfriend Jeffrey Epstein