WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie is President Donald Trump's pick to permanently lead the beleaguered department.
Wilkie is a former Pentagon undersecretary for personnel and readiness. He's led the agency for two months, ever since Trump fired David Shulkin amid an internal revolt and questions about his compliance with ethics rules.
Wilkie appeared in the White House press briefing room Thursday to accept a check for the amount of Trump's first-quarter salary, which he donated to the agency.
Trump revealed his decision during a prison reform event at the White House. Trump previously nominated White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson for the job, but he withdrew last month.
At one time Rep. Brian Mast was being considered for the position.
His office released this statement from the congressman: “Yesterday I had a great meeting with Acting Secretary Wilkie. I am very hopeful for the future of our veterans serviced by the VA, and I look forward to working with him in my new role as a Member of the Veterans Affairs Committee.”
The WPTV web team contributed to this report