Trump's Pick To Lead VA Denies Claims He Crashed Government Car While Drunk
WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/CBSNews/AP) – President Donald Trump's embattled pick to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs is denying allegations he drunkenly crashed a government car.
Dr. Ronny Jackson said Wednesday he "never wrecked a car," adding "I have no idea where that is coming from."
This comes after Senate Democrats released a summary of allegations made against the president's personal physician, including claims that he recklessly prescribed drugs, had a private stock of controlled substances and got drunk and crashed a government car.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended Jackson's history Wednesday, saying he's received "more vetting than most nominees."
"Dr. Jackson has undergone four separate background checks, one that was conducted by the FBI and all of those revealed nothing and came back with a clean recommendation," said Sanders. She said Jackson's background and character were evaluated during three different administrations and at no time were allegations of drinking on the job or overprescribing medication raised.
Sanders said she was not aware of any of the allegations against Jackson until his nomination was announced, and his most recent background check took place at the beginning of the Trump administration.
Asked by CBS News' Major Garrett during Wednesday's briefing if those accusing Jackson were lying about the allegations, Sanders said, "I can only speak to some of the personal accounts that those of us have, as well as records we have that are substantiated through a very detailed and thorough background investigation process."
Meanwhile, Sanders disputed claims that Jackson lacked the experience to lead the already embattled Department of Veterans Affairs. She suggested that if the president didn't think Jackson was fit for the job, he "wouldn't have nominated him" in the first place.
She added of his lack of managerial experience, "This is a different approach but it doesn't mean its a wrong approach or that he's not qualified."
Despite lawmakers concerns, Sanders said the White House continues to press ahead and is working with lawmakers to reschedule Jackson's confirmation hearing. Jackson has said he wants a chance to defend himself in public.
Jackson became a White House physician in 2006 under former President George W. Bush and was appointed physician to the president under former President Barack Obama.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
