CNN has obtained a copy of the Department of Defense inspector general review of Rep. Ronny Jackson during his time serving as the top White House physician for both President Obama and Donald Trump.
According to the report 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 that prompted concerns from his colleagues about his ability to provide proper care.
The IG’s report alleges that Jackson has an explosive temper that created a hostile work environment throughout his time in both the Obama and Trump administrations.
“Many of these witnesses described RDML Jackson’s behavior with words and phrases such as ‘meltdowns,’ ‘yells’ for no reason,’ ‘rages,’ ‘tantrums,’ ‘lashes out,’ and ‘aggressive.’ These witnesses also described RDML Jackson’s leadership style with terms such as ‘tyrant,’ ‘dictator,’ ‘control freak,’ ‘hallmarks of fear and intimidation,’ ‘crappy manager,’ and ‘not a leader at all,'” the report reads according to CNN .
He’s also known for drinking on Presidential trips, including one to Manila with then-President Barack Obama in 2014. Witnesses say Jackson was intoxicated and made inappropriate remarks about a female colleague working under him.
He pounded on the door of the female subordinate’s room and when she answered he said “I need you,” and, “I need you to come to my room,” witnesses say.
Jackson also made comments about female subordinates’ body parts on other presidential trips as well.
At least six witnesses told the inspector general that Jackson also took Ambien on long flights while he was on duty for providing medical care for government officials, including the President. Members of his team were concerned that he would be unable to provide care due to the drug’s ability to cause drowsiness and reduce alertness.
Jackson, who retired from the Navy in 2019 and now represents Texas’ 13th Congressional district in the US Congress, told CNN that this is all a political hit job orchestrated by Democrats.
“Democrats are using this report to repeat and rehash untrue attacks on my integrity.”
“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. I have not and will not ever conduct myself in a way that undermines the sincerity with which I take my oath to my country or my constituents,” he added.
Jackson can now face a Navy review of his retirement pay if the findings in the report “validated less than honorable behavior” defense officials told CNN. The IG report recommends that the secretary of the Navy take “appropriate action”.
