White House physician Ronny Jackson won’t withdraw his nomination to lead President Trump’s Department of Veterans Affairs, according to multiple reports.
Reuters first reported that Jackson plans to push back against allegations of misconduct, according to a White House official.
According to Reuters, Jackson and the president met Tuesday afternoon after the president said at a joint press conference that he was leaving the decision up to Jackson on whether or not he wanted to withdraw his nomination.
“It’s totally his decision, he’ll be making a decision,” Trump said on Tuesday when asked about Jackson’s nomination.
“If I were him, I wouldn’t do it,” Trump added.
Two officials familiar with Trump’s meeting with Jackson similarly told Bloomberg that Jackson did not plan to withdraw his nomination.
Another White House official confirmed to NBC that Jackson planned on fighting for his nomination, and praised his “impeccable” work as a physician.
“Dr. Jackson’s record as a White House physician is impeccable,” a senior White House official told NBC News. “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. He has never even been the subject of an Inspector General review and he will certainly not be railroaded by a bitter ex-colleague who was removed from his job.”
CBS News reported this week that staffers on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee are reviewing allegations of a “hostile work environment,” including “excessive drinking on the job [and] improperly dispensing meds.” {mosads}
The allegations led the Veterans’ Affairs Committee to delay confirmation Jackson’s hearing, which was planned for Wednesday.
Earlier on Tuesday, Jackson said that he looks forward to getting his confirmation rescheduled and “answering everybody’s questions.”
Updated 6:28 p.m.