Trump fires Veterans Affairs chief, taps WH doctor to replace him

March 29, 2018 08:33

United States President Donald Trump has fired his Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin and nominated White House physician, Admiral Ronny Jackson as his replacement.

Trump made the announcement on Twitter and later issued a separate statement thanking Shulkin for his services.

"I am pleased to announce that I intend to nominate highly respected Admiral Ronny L.Jackson, MD, as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs....," Trump wrote on Twitter.

"I appreciate the work of Dr. David Shulkin and the many great things we did together at Veterans Affairs, including the VA Accountability Act that he was helpful in getting passed. He has been a great supporter of veterans across the country and I am grateful for his service," Trump said in a later statement.

Early this month, Trump had unceremoniously fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and nominated Mike Pompeo, the CIA Director, for the top diplomatic position in his cabinet.

Both the cabinet positions need to be confirmed by the US Senate.

"In the interim, Hon. Robert Wilkie of DOD will serve as Acting Secretary. I am thankful for Dr. David Shulkin's service to our country and to our GREAT VETERANS!," Trump said in another tweet.

Trump said Jackson was highly trained and qualified.

"As a service member himself, he has seen firsthand the tremendous sacrifice our veterans make and has a deep appreciation for the debt our great country owes them," he said in a separate statement.

Wilkie, who will serve as the Acting Secretary for the department, is currently the Undersecretary of Defence for Personnel and Readiness at the Department of Defence and overseas health affairs, welfare and quality of life for military families.

Jackson has served as the White House physician during the past three administrations of Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

Since arriving at the White House, he has directed the Executive Health Care for the President's Cabinet and Senior Staff, served as physician supervisor for the Camp David Presidential Retreat, held the position of physician to the White House and led the White House Medical Unit as its director. -- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Did Jadeja Take IPL 2024's Best Catch?

Jadeja dived full-length to his left, defying gravity as he snagged the ball with his outstretched left hand. Disbelief washed over the crowd as both Rahul and CSK Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, stationed nearby, watched the improbable catch...

It's 30 Years of Pulp Fiction!

The cult film celebrated his landmark on April 18 with a special screening in Los Angeles.

It's perform or perish time for RCB against KKR

With five consecutive defeats, bottom-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore confront the daunting task of winning their remaining seven games to keep their play-off prospects alive in IPL 2024.

Elon Musk postpones India visit; cites Tesla 'obligations' as reason

American tech billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday said his proposed visit to India has been postponed due to "very heavy Tesla obligations". The electric carmaker Tesla CEO -- who was expected to be in India on April 21 and 22 and...

What We Can Expect From SRK-Suhana's Film

Shah Rukh Khan is all set to star with his daughter Suhana in a film to be directed by Sujoy Ghosh.