Jackson claimed that the report was politically motivated in a statement to CNN on Tuesday, saying the inspector general had “raised” old allegations against him for refusing to “president (Donald) Trump”, who is a big supporter of she was 2020, to reverse. congress booth. He also told CNN he rejected ‘any allegation that I drank alcohol while on duty’.
After interrogating 78 witnesses and examining a number of White House documents, investigators concluded that Jackson, who had the rank of Rear Admiral, failed to treat his subordinates with dignity and respect. inappropriate behavior involving the use of alcohol during two incidents and using sleep medication during an overseas trip that, according to the report, raises concerns about his ability to provide medical care to the president and other top officials.
The report also notes that the investigation into Jackson was ‘limited and unproductive’, as the White House’s attorney under Trump insisted on being present at all interviews with the current employees of the White House’s medical unit, which a had ‘potential cooling’ on the investigation.
“We determined that the potential cooling effect of their presence would prevent us from receiving accurate evidence,” the report reads, adding that fieldwork ceased approximately 11 months between October 11, 2018 and August 22, 2019 as the Department of Defense. inspector general and advice of the White House determined whether the White House would invoke an executive privilege, which they ultimately did not do.
Ambien and alcohol on a trip with the president
However, the conclusions about Jackson’s behavior are striking. Allegations of his explosive temper and the creation of a hostile work environment have been witnessed throughout his time in both the Obama and Trump administrations and an ‘overwhelming majority’ (56) … who worked with RDML Jackson from 2012 to 2018 , told us that they had personally experienced, seen or heard of how he shouted, shouted, cursed or belittled subordinates, ”the report reads.
Many of these witnesses described RDML Jackson’s behavior with words and phrases such as’ meltdowns’, ‘screaming’ for no reason, ” anger ‘,’ tantrums’, ‘lashes’ and’ aggressive ‘. These witnesses also described RDML Jackson ‘s leadership style described with terms such as ‘tyrant’, ‘dictator’, ‘control freak’, ‘characteristics of fear and intimidation’, ‘crappy manager’ and ‘not a leader at all’, “he adds.
On a presidential trip to Manila from April 22, 2014 to April 29, 2014, four witnesses who traveled with then-President Barack Obama and Jackson said Jackson became intoxicated and made inappropriate comments about a female medical subordinate.
A witness questioned by the IG said Jackson started drinking in the hotel lobby shortly after arriving in Manila, and then got into a car around town with a drink in hand. to go out. Another witness said he could smell alcohol on Jackson’s breath later that evening. Back at the hotel, one of the witnesses said he saw Jackson ‘knocking’ on the door of his female subordinate’s room. When she opened the door, Jackson said, “I need you,” and “I need you to come to my room.”
Witnesses also allege that Jackson made a remark about the breasts and buttocks of a female medical subordinate during a presidential trip to Asia in April 2014. ‘Witness 1, a medical subordinate, told us that RDML Jackson during the trip to Asia, before arriving in Manila, told a female medical subordinate (Manila Witness 2), who was also traveling, had ‘good t’s’ and ‘what a beautiful **’, and that RDML Jackson also told Manila Witness 1 that he “would like to see more of her tattoos,” the report said.
Two years later, in Bariloche, Argentina, two witnesses told the IG that they saw Jackson drinking a beer while the doctor was at the president’s and was in charge of medical care for a presidential trip. the president’s arrival until two hours after he left. According to witnesses, Jackson dismissed the regulation as ridiculous. Another witness said Jackson later smelled of alcohol, though she was not sure if he was drunk. One witness, identified in the report as ‘Bariloche Witness 5’, said he did not smell alcohol during the trip.
These two allegations of alcohol use both occurred under the Obama administration, but the report contains a series of incidents under both Obama and Trump in which Jackson lost his temper and cursed at subordinates.
Of the 60 witnesses questioned by the Department of Defense IG about the commando climate under Jackson, only 13 made positive comments, while 38 spoke about unprofessional behavior, intimidation, and poor treatment of subordinates.
One witness said Jackson “established a workplace where fear and intimidation were kind of the characteristics of him, his command and the control of his subordinates”.
At least six witnesses, all of whom were medical staff, also told investigators that Jackson took Ambien, a prescription used to treat insomnia, on long flights while on duty to provide medical care to government officials. including the president. Witnesses said they were concerned about the Ambien because it was often drowsy and could impair someone’s spiritual alertness. According to the IG report, there is no specific restriction on the use of Ambien during long flights. It recommends that the White House’s military office provide guidance on the appropriate use of Ambien and similar drugs.
Jackson claims to be politically motivated
Jackson retired from the Navy in 2019 while the watchdog investigation was still ongoing, but two defense officials told CNN he can now get a Navy review of his retirement. Officer’s retirement compensation is based on the highest rank where someone has served honorably. If the findings of the report confirmed less than honorable conduct, Jackson could reduce his retirement salary.
The IG report recommends that the Secretary of the Navy take “appropriate steps” regarding Jackson.
“We recommend that the WHMO Director be fit for service guidelines regarding the appropriate use of Ambien and similar medicines while medical personnel are on duty or on duty to provide emergency medical services,” it said.
In his statement to CNN on Tuesday, Jackson said that “Democrats are using this report to repeat false attacks on my integrity and wash them in again.”
“I am proud of the work environment I have cultivated under three different presidents of both parties; I take my professional responsibility for prescription drugs seriously; and I reject the allegation that I drank alcohol while on duty,” Jackson said. said .
“My entire professional life has been defined by duty and service. I have reverently served my country in the U.S. Navy, served patients who trust me with their care, served three presidents in the White House, and now I serve the residents of Texas’ 13th District. “I have not behaved and will never behave in a way that undermines the sincerity with which I take my oath to my country or my constituents,” he added.
CNN reported earlier that the IG investigation was aimed at allegations that Jackson was intoxicated from time to time and mistreated prescription drugs.
Former Navy Secretary Richard Spencer has approved Jackson’s retirement before his own removal at the end of 2019.