“President Trump’s controversial nomination of Ronny L. Jackson to head the Department of Veterans Affairs has grown further complicated by the Navy physician’s pending military promotion, which he could be forced to pass up — along with an estimated $1 million in future retirement income — if confirmed for the Cabinet post.”
“Jackson, a one-star admiral and the president’s White House doctor, was nominated by Trump for promotion to be a two-star admiral in the days leading to VA Secretary David Shulkin’s departure late last month. The White House has said Jackson intends to remain on active duty until the Senate confirms him to become VA secretary, at which point he would retire from the service. A Navy spokesman said there has been no change in the admiral’s duty status.”
“The dual nominations and a lack of clarity from the White House have left lawmakers flummoxed about how to proceed, said a Senate aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to offer a candid assessment of Jackson’s unusual circumstances. They have complained that the time and effort required to consider multiple Cabinet nominations — the top jobs at VA, the State Department and the CIA all are pending — is an unwanted distraction during a challenging midterm election cycle.”
“I think it’s 50-50 he is confirmed. And if he’s confirmed, I have great empathy. Why would he succeed? The answer is: Because the president put him there…” Read the full article here.
Source: Ronny Jackson, Trump’s pick for Veterans Affairs, may pass up $1 million to join the Cabinet – By Andrew deGrandpre, April 8, 2018. The Washington Post.
