The Department of Defense (DoD) is to reveal in its forthcoming report that Rep. Ronny Jackson’s (R-Texas) tenure in the White House as physician during the Obama and Trump administrations was marred by “yelling, screaming, cursing, or belittling subordinates” that created a “hostile environment”.
According to an advance copy of the report from the Pentagon’s inspector general, cited by CNN, Jackson made "sexual and denigrating" comments about a female colleague, abused protocol by drinking alcohol during presidential trips, and over-indulged in prescription-strength sleeping medication.
*Former White House doctor and current Texas Congressman Ronny Jackson made sexual comments, drank alcohol and took Ambien while working as Donald Trump and Barack Obama's physician.
— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) March 3, 2021
*This is conclusion of Pentagon’s Inspector General. https://t.co/UF5cMv7VnC pic.twitter.com/1RP57rDocq
Interviewed for the report, at least six people claimed that while on duty during lengthy flights Jackson took Ambien, known for its side effects, such as drowsiness and reduced alertness, writes the outlet.
The behaviour of the physician, who now sits on the House Armed Services subcommittee overseeing military personnel, reportedly left staffers concerned whether Jackson would be able adequately carry out his duties at the White House.
The report, which is a culmination of an investigation that launched in 2018, alleges that a fiery-tempered Jackson was seen drinking during a visit to Manila, capital of the Philippines, from 22 April 2014, to 29 April 2014, leading the supposedly intoxicated staffer to let loose some ‘inappropriate’ remarks about a female colleague subordinate to him.
A witness claimed Jackson began drinking in the hotel lobby after arrival in Manila, and later got into a car with a drink in his hand "to go out on the town".
At the hotel later another witness claimed seeing Jackson "pounding" on the door of a female subordinate's room, and shouting, "I need you to come to my room."
Similar incidents reportedly occurred during other trips as well.
There has not yet been any official comment from the Pentagon’s inspector general.
‘Politically Motivated’ Allegations
The outlet quotes Jackson, who retired from the Navy in 2019 and won his Texas House seat last year, as denouncing the report as an attempt by Democrats to tarnish his reputation.
"I'm proud of the work environment I fostered under three different Presidents of both parties; I take my professional responsibility with respect to prescription drug practices seriously; and I flat out reject any allegation that I consumed alcohol while on duty," Jackson said.
My entire professional life has been defined by duty and service. I've honorably served my country in the U.S. Navy, served patients who trusted me with their care, served three Presidents in the White House, and now I serve the people of Texas' 13th District in Congress. (5/6)
— Jackie Kingston KAMR Local 4 (@JackieKingston1) March 3, 2021
According to the retired Navy rear admiral, who is the US representative for Texas’s 13th congressional district, the inspector general "resurrected" throwback allegations against him because he refused to "turn my back on President (Donald) Trump", who was a vocal supporter of his 2020 congressional bid.
Check out my speech at @CPAC today. We MUST defend our healthcare industry from the destruction of the radical Left. They will make it worse for EVERYONE! pic.twitter.com/pnVFEOlaru
— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJacksonTX) February 28, 2021
Jackson, who according to two defence officials cited by CNN could now face a Navy review of his retirement pay, has vehemently denied he had ever “consumed alcohol while on duty".
