It was universally agreed when President Trump nominated him, apparently with no vetting or preparation, that Ronny Jackson was woefully unqualified to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. But he also appeared to be widely respected as the White House doctor who has served not only President Trump but also President Obama. Now accusations are emerging of excessive drinking, creating a hostile work environment and ‘improperly dispensing’ medication.
These remain accusations only; it’s not even totally clear who is leveling these charges or what basis they have for doing so. But initial indications from the Senate suggest that they are not coming from a partisan direction and being taken seriously by senators of both parties.
If these claims are valid – especially the ones about creating hostile work environments – then Jackson is no innocent. But it’s hard not to recognize that Trump’s impulse decision to nominate Jackson could end up being the worst thing that ever happened to him. He had one of the most prestigious positions for a military doctor anywhere in the US government. Now this nomination may end up exposing scandals or at least embarrassments that could even lose him the White House position itself.
