Pentagon Probe Finds Rep. Ronny Jackson Drank On Duty, Disparaged Colleagues

The Department of Defense inspector general's investigation into Rep. Ronny Jackson found that Jackson disparaged colleagues, improperly used sleeping pills and repeatedly drank on duty during his time as White House physician. Jackson served on the White House medical team from 2006-2019, and is currently a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas. The Pentagon report, launched in 2018, examines allegations against Jackson going as far back as 2012. The review found that Jackson made "sexual and denigrating" comments about a female subordinate, violated the policy for drinking alcohol while on a presidential trip, and took prescription-strength sleeping medication. Former President Donald Trump nominated Jackson to be his Veterans Affairs secretary in 2018, but Jackson withdrew after allegations that he created a hostile work environment and drank on the job. On Tuesday Jackson denied the report, saying that it was "politically motivated" and that the inspector general "resurrected" old allegations against him because he refused to denounce Trump. Outlets across the political spectrum covered the Pentagon report and Jackson's denial of the allegations. Coverage from left- and center-rated outlets detailed the claims against Jackson; some right-rated outlets highlighted claims that the report failed to substantiate.