The Hill reports:
President Trump today repeatedly said the choice to withdraw was Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson’s, but he also questioned why he would want to go forward and take the “abuse” from politicians. “It’s totally his decision, he’ll be making a decision,” Trump said when asked about the nomination of Jackson, who is the White House physician to the president. Trump said he told Jackson “this is a vicious group of people that malign. What do you need this for? You’re too fine a person.”
Ronny Jackson told reporters that he wants to move forward with his hearing, and Trump won’t ask him to withdraw. So that means that the controversy over his nomination will continue to linger as senators investigate the matter, delaying hearing til May at earliest
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) April 24, 2018
Trump strongly indicates he’s cutting Ronny Jackson loose, but says “it’s totally his decision” whether to stay as VA nominee or withdraw.
— Philip Rucker (@PhilipRucker) April 24, 2018
President Trump opened the door for embattled Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson to withdraw his nomination for secretary of veterans affairs. “It’s his decision,” Trump said. https://t.co/rXq4bLmdBM
— NPR (@NPR) April 24, 2018
Trump is totally going to withdraw Ronny Jackson and blame it on obstruction, isn’t he?
— Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) April 24, 2018
Trump says he would support Ronny Jackson, his pick to lead the VA, if he decides to withdraw: “I don’t want to put a man through a process like this. It’s too ugly and too disgusting … if I were him … the fact is I wouldn’t do it” https://t.co/YGJnVRFNM7
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) April 24, 2018