Vice president’s physician resigns

by Jordan Fabian - 05/04/18 1:28 PM ET

Vice President Pence’s doctor resigned Friday amid the controversy over President Trump’s failed nomination of Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson to serve as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Jennifer Peña was a physician in the White House Medical Unit, which Jackson led prior to his nomination. Multiple news reports said she was one of the people who accused Jackson of workplace misconduct, allegations that eventually sunk his nomination.

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“The Vice President’s office was informed today by the White House Medical Unit of the resignation. Physicians assigned to the Vice President report to the White House Medical Unit and thus any resignation would go entirely through the Medical Unit, not the Vice President’s office,” Pence press secretary Alyssa Farah said in a statement.

Peña had expressed concerns about Jackson last fall, according to CNN, saying in a series of memos that Jackson may have violated federal privacy protections of second lady Karen Pence by sharing details about a medical incident.

On April 26, Jackson withdrew his name from consideration to succeed David Shulkin after Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released a report detailing allegations made by 23 current and former colleagues.

The allegations included multiple instances where Jackson improperly dispensed medications, created a hostile work environment and was drunk while on duty.

Jackson denied the allegations, and President Trump has responded by attacking Tester for releasing the report.

Jackson will also no longer be the president’s physician, a position he also held for former President Obama, but he will still remain a member of the White House Medical Unit.

Tags David Shulkin Donald Trump Jon Tester Karen Pence