A veterans advocacy group said Wednesday former VA Secretary David Shulkin had turned into a distraction for the agency and it was time for him to go.
Concerned Veterans for America executive director Dan Caldwell reacted to the news President Donald Trump fired Shulkin and will nominate White House physician Adm. Ronny Jackson by asking for the federal government to continue searching for ways to improve its treatment of veterans.
"Secretary Shulkin made significant headway in reforming the department, but ultimately became a distraction from the important task of improving healthcare for our veterans," Caldwell said.
"We are hopeful that this change will end the recent distractions at the VA and put the focus back on advancing policy that will ensure veterans get the healthcare and other benefits they have earned. . . . We look forward to continuing partnering with the White House, Congress, and the future VA Secretary to advance policy that will improve the well-being of our veterans."
Recent reports suggested Shulkin was likely on his way out, but Jackson — who has served in the White House since 2013 — had not been mentioned as a possible successor.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.