White House physician Ronny Jackson's decision to pull himself from contention to head the Department of Veterans Affairs shows a "double standard" is in play among Democrats, Rep. Steve Scalise said Thursday.
"It is interesting that Democrats never raised these concerns or allegations when he was [President] Barack Obama's physician, so it shows you there is a double standard," the Louisiana Republican told Fox News' "America's Newsroom."
President Donald Trump has expressed "how toxic" the political environment has gotten, noted Scalise, "where somebody is qualified as him would be tarred like this and they try to go after him and create allegations that he will get the opportunity to go and counter."
Trump will not be deterred, said Scalise.
"He has done so much for our veterans already and will make sure we get a good, qualified VA secretary," said Scalise. "More light needs to be shined on the people that will oppose and try to undermine whoever is going to be the person that takes care of our veterans."
He said he's glad Trump has made taking care of veterans a top priority, and the nation does need a qualified secretary.
"When he appoints somebody, it will be someone to run the agency the right way for our military veterans," said the lawmaker. "Democrats need to stand up for our veterans."
Scalise said he doesn't know who Trump may be considering, but he imagines he has a good list of candidates who would want the job.
"It is somebody who will be the primary caretaker for our veterans when they come home and ultimately need to be taken care of from their injuries that were related to defending our freedom," said Scalise. "We've increased funding for the VA, as we've cut other areas but made sure our veterans have the money and resources they need. They need somebody at the top. It is time for the Senate, especially the Democrats, to try to make this a blood sport to come behind him."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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