Kuhlman was the physician to then-president Barack Obama, and had previously held the role occupied by Jackson: director of the White House medical unit. The doctor to presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and now Donald Trump is an Iraq War veteran nominated to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. White House spokesperson Hogan Gidley defended Jackson, saying he had a "record of strong, decisive leadership" and that is what is needed at the veterans agency. A White House official said the allegations raised against Jackson are unfair and "don't appear to pass the smell test." 2 Senate Republican, told reporters his first instinct was to support Trump's nominee, but he thinks further scrutiny is required.

Source: CBC News April 24, 2018 17:37 UTC