Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin may be under consideration for former Health and Human Services Director Tom Price's position after all, Politico senior editor Jake Sherman wrote Saturday.
In his "Political Playbook" column, Sherman wrote "WEST WING BUZZ -- Don’t be surprised if you begin hearing VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY DAVID SHULKIN is in the mix for Health and Human Services secretary. Shulkin is a doctor."
Price resigned the spot in September following outcry over his use of private planes for official travel, but Shulkin is also under investigation for his 10-day trip to Europe, during which he mixed sightseeing and business.
The White House said Wednesday that Shulkin is not being considered to head HHS, denying several media reports that he was a leading contender for Price's position.
Last weekend, The Wall Street Journal reported that Shulkin had been interviewed and "made his case" for the powerful spot, but a White House official said that did not happen and Shulkin had been "never under consideration."
Shulkin traveled to Denmark and England in July to discuss veterans' health issues, accompanied by his wife. However, his travel records showed the couple also attended a Wimbledon tennis match, among other personal activities. According to the VA, the Shulkins traveled commercially, and that taxpayers paid for his wife's expenses.
The VA secretary had served as the department's undersecretary of health during the Obama administration and was tapped in January to head the VA.
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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