Trump ousts David Shulkin, announces Ronny Jackson as VA secy.
United States President Donald Trump has announced White House physician Ronny Jackson as his pick to replace Veterans Affairs secretary David Shulkin.
"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 tweeted.
"....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!," he added.
....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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2018
Shulkin's "distractions were getting in the way of carrying out the President's agenda", CNN reported, citing, a White House official, as saying.
Shulkin is the second member of Trump's Cabinet to be ousted this month, following Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
He had previously served in the Obama administration as the number two at the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to the reports.
Jackson, who is an active duty Navy physician, has served as a physician in the White House since 2006 and officially became the President's chief doctor in 2013. He is also a rear admiral in the United States Navy.
The VA will be led by Robert Wilkie, who served in the George W Bush administration as Jackson awaits the Senate confirmation.
--ANI
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First published: 29 March 2018, 10:01 IST