WASHINGTON (AP) – White House doctor Ronny Jackson withdrew from consideration as Veterans Affairs secretary on Thursday, saying “false allegations” against him have become a distraction.
In a statement the White House issued from Jackson, he said he “did not expect to have to dignify baseless and anonymous attacks on my character and integrity.”
Shortly after Jackson dropped out, President Donald Trump called into the Fox & Friends morning show to praise Jackson as an “incredible man” who “runs a fantastic operation.”
Trump said Jackson had a “beautiful record” and that there was no proof of the allegations. Added Trump, “I think Jon Tester has a big price to pay.” The president declined to say who he may nominate next.
Asked whether Jackson will remain on the job as White House doctor, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “Admiral Jackson is a doctor in the United States Navy assigned to the White House and is here at work today.”