Senate uncertain how to proceed on dual Trump nominations for White House physician: report

Some lawmakers are unsure how to proceed with President Trump’s pick for Veterans Affairs secretary because he also has a pending military promotion, The Washington Post reported Sunday. 

Trump nominated Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson to be promoted from a one-star admiral to a two-star admiral just days before the president ousted Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin. Trump named Jackson as Shulkin’s replacement, pending Senate confirmation.

However, the timing of the two nominations has created confusion on how to proceed, The Washington Post reported. To lead the VA, Jackson may be forced to give up his military promotion and roughly $1 million in future pension earnings.

{mosads}The White House has said Jackson will remain on active duty until he is confirmed to run the VA. However, the White House did not respond to inquiries from the Post about whether it will address Jackson’s conflicting nominations.

Jackson, who has served as the presidential physician since 2013, has drawn criticism from outside groups and some lawmakers who worry he does not have the managerial experience to run an operation as large as the VA.

The White House brushed aside those concerns, saying Trump has “full confidence” in Jackson to replace Shulkin.

Shulkin was fired amid intense scrutiny after an inspector general report found he spent most of his time during a trip to Europe last summer sightseeing rather than conducting official business and improperly accepted tickets to a Wimbledon tennis match as a gift.

Following his ouster, Shulkin defended his tenure, speculated he was pushed out because he opposed privatization and railed against the “toxic” atmosphere in Washington.