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U.S. NEWS Wednesday 25 april 2018

Located next to Wilhelmina Restaurant Tel. 583-0404

His nomination in peril, Jackson

fights for VA post

postponed his confirmation
hearing, which had been
set for Wednesday, Jack-
son visited lawmakers to as-
sure them he was fit to lead
the VA. “I’m looking for- port, “Promote to Rear Ad- about whether he has the
ward to getting it resched- miral now.” Trump wrote experience to manage
uled and answering every- last year that Jackson is “A the massive department of
body’s questions,” he said GREAT DOCTOR + LEADER - 360,000 employees serving
in video captured by MSN- ‘2 STAR MATERIAL.’” 9 million veterans.
BC, referring to his hearing. The White House also dis- Allegations began surfac-
During a White House news puted allegations that ing late last week involv-
conference, Trump insisted Jackson improperly admin- ing Jackson’s workplace
he would stand behind istered medication, saying practices, including claims
Jackson, calling the White the medical unit passed of inappropriate behavior
House doctor “one of the regular audits by the Con- and over-prescribing pre-
In this Jan. 16, 2018, file photo, White House physician Dr. Ronny finest people that I have trolled Substance Inventory scription drugs, according
Jackson speaks to reporters during the daily press briefing in the met.” But he questioned Board. A doomed VA nom- to two aides granted ano-
Brady press briefing room at the White House, in Washington. why Jackson would want ination would be a political nymity to discuss the situ-
Associated Press to put himself through the blow to the White House, ation. The complaints the
By HOPE YEN, ZEKE MILLER the White House medical confirmation fight, which which has faced criticism White House heard include
and KEN THOMAS unit. The six-page report by he characterized as unfair. for sloppy vetting of Cabi- that he oversaw a poor
Associated Press the Navy’s Medical Inspec- “I wouldn’t do it,” Trump net nominees and tough work environment and that
WASHINGTON (AP) — His tor General found a lack of said in the East Room, confirmation battles in a he had drunk alcohol on
nomination in peril, Veter- trust in the leadership and standing next to French Senate where Republicans the job, according to an
ans Affairs nominee Ronny low morale among staff President Emmanuel Ma- hold a slim 51-49 majority. administration official who
Jackson fought Tuesday to members, who described cron. “What does he need Prior to Jackson’s nomina- demanded anonymity to
convince lawmakers of his the working environment it for? What do you need tion, Trump had told aides speak on a sensitive per-
leadership abilities as more as “being caught between this for? To be abused by and outside advisers that sonnel matter.
details emerged over his al- parents going through a a bunch of politicians that he was fond of Jackson per- The Senate Veterans Affairs
leged misconduct, ranging bitter divorce.” aren’t thinking nicely about sonally and was said to be Committee said it would
from repeated drunken- “There is a severe and per- our country?” Trump asked. particularly impressed with postpone indefinitely Jack-
ness to a toxic work envi- vasive lack of trust in the Trump said Jackson, who Jackson’s performance at son’s hearing to give it
ronment, as he served as a leadership that has deterio- has been a White House the White House press room more time to sort through
top White House doctor. rated to the point that staff physician since 2006, would podium in January, when the allegations.
President Donald Trump walk on ‘eggshells,’” the make a decision soon. he offered a glowing report Detailing the allegations
sent mixed signals about his assessment found. Jackson met privately with on the president’s physical to NPR, Sen. Jon Tester of
choice to lead the sprawl- The inspector general re- Trump Tuesday afternoon and mental well-being. Montana, the commit-
ing veterans’ agency, sug- port reviewed by The AP in- in the Oval Office and the Senate Minority Leader tee’s top Democrat, said
gesting during a White cluded no references to im- president urged him to Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., more than 20 current and
House news conference proper prescribing of drugs keep fighting to win con- said the American people retired military personnel
that Jackson may want to or the use of alcohol, sepa- firmation, according to a were the losers in a shaky had made complaints to
withdraw because of unfair rate allegations revealed White House official briefed nomination effort. The the committee about Jack-
scrutiny. But the president by a Senate committee. on the meeting. The official, Trump Cabinet, he said, “is son. They included claims
privately urged his nomi- The audit appeared to con- who spoke on condition turning into a sad game of that Jackson was “repeat-
nee to keep fighting to win tradict public statements of anonymity to describe musical chairs.” edly drunk” while on travel
Senate confirmation, and from Jackson, who de- internal discussions, said Trump tapped Jackson last with Obama and that on
Jackson showed few signs clined Tuesday to answer Jackson denied the allega- month after firing former overseas trips he exces-
of backing down. reporters’ questions about tions. Digging in, the White Obama administration of- sively handed out prescrip-
A watchdog report re- the allegations. He gave House released handwrit- ficial David Shulkin follow- tion drugs to help travelers
quested in 2012 and re- no indication he would ten reports from Trump and ing an ethics scandal and sleep and wake up. Tester
viewed by The Associated withdraw and denied the former President Barack mounting rebellion within later told CNN that Jackson
Press found that Jackson existence of any inspec- Obama praising Jackson’s the agency. But Jackson was known inside the White
and a rival physician ex- tor general report detailing leadership and medical has faced numerous ques- House as “the candy man,”
hibited “unprofessional be- troubling behavior. care, and recommending tions from Republican and because he would hand
haviors” as they engaged After the Senate Veterans him for promotion. Democratic lawmakers, as out prescription drugs “like
in a power struggle over Affairs Committee abruptly Obama wrote in one re- well as veterans groups, candy.”q