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Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson created a hostile work environment, became involved in alcohol problems and improperly distributed prescription drugs during his time as a doctor in the White House, according to a scathing Pentagon report.
The unpublished report compiled by the Defense Department Inspector General was first obtained by CNN and includes the testimony of 60 witnesses about Jackson’s behavior at work. Only 13 made positive observations and 38 spoke about “unprofessional behavior, intimidation and mistreatment of subordinates”.
The report says: “Only four witnesses told us that they did not experience, see or hear about RDML Jackson yelling, yelling, cursing or belittling his subordinates.”
Jackson, 53, a retired Navy Rear Admiral, began working as a medic in the White House Medical Unit, overseen by the Defense Department, under the George W. Bush administration. He was later appointed the President’s Physician by former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump until 2018. He was elected to Congress last November, representing a North Texas district.
Jackson had been nominated by Trump to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, but withdrew after a series of allegations emerged that included mishandling prescription painkillers and creating a toxic work environment. Jackson denied the allegations at the time.
The new Pentagon watchdog report found that Jackson “belittled, belittled, intimidated and humiliated” his younger colleagues, even making “sexual and degrading” comments about a co-worker.
He said he “engaged in inappropriate conduct involving the use of alcohol” during two presidential trips, one to the Philippines in 2014 and one to Argentina in 2016, and was known to take the drug Ambien, a powerful sleep aid, while flying overhead. air. Force One, which contributed to his colleagues’ concerns about his ability to provide adequate medical care to the president and others.
In a statement, Jackson said the inspector general had resurrected “false accusations” because he had “refused to turn his back on President Trump.” He said he “flat-out” rejected “any suggestion” that he consumed alcohol while on duty.
“I also categorically deny any suggestion that I was sexually inappropriate in any way at work, outside of work, or anywhere with any member of my staff or anyone else. That’s not me and what is alleged did not happen, “added Jackson.
Jackson’s office noted that Obama had promoted him to rear admiral “after the alleged events” described in the report.
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