The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
– ‘Candy man’ –
The system has come under criticism for falling short, particularly in terms of psychiatric care for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Trump surprised even his closest aides a month ago with an evening tweet announcing Jackson was his pick to run the VA.
The Navy rear admiral was the physician to presidents Trump, Barack Obama and George W. Bush and was well regarded by many current and former White House staff.
But he was widely seen as underqualified to head the VA and already faced a tough battle for congressional confirmation.
Jackson’s stock with Trump appeared to have risen after he pronounced in January that the 71-year-old president was in “excellent” health.
But following the announcement of his nomination, a wave of allegations surfaced over his behavior, including that he doled out drugs to staffers like the “candy man” and crashed a government vehicle.
Senate Democrats released a litany of allegations on Wednesday, citing “conversations with 23 colleagues and former colleagues.”
These included that he handed out sleeping tablets on Air Force One, opioids to at least one White House staffer and prescribed drugs for himself.
“On at least one occasion, Dr Jackson could not be reached when needed because he was passed out drunk in his hotel room,” according to a document released by Democratic Senator Jon Tester.
