David Shulkin; Trump’s VA pick
Military Times reports that Trump’s nomination to head the Veterans’ Affairs Department is Dr David Shulkin, currently the VA Under Secretary for Health since June 2015.
“He’s fantastic,” Trump said. “He will do a truly great job. One of the commitments I made is that we’re going to straighten out the whole situation for veterans. Our veterans have been treated horribly … I think you’ll be very impressed with David and the job he does.”
In a statement released by Trump’s transition team, Shulkin called the nomination an honor.
“President-elect Trump’s commitment to caring for our veterans is unquestionable, and he is eager to support the best practices for care and provide our Veterans Affairs’ teams with the resources they need to improve health outcomes,” he said.
“We are both eager to begin reforming the areas in our Veterans Affairs system that need critical attention, and do it in a swift, thoughtful and responsible way.”
Yeah, well, if there is an agency of the Executive Department that doesn’t need a promotion from within, it’s the VA. I’d have to think that the cultural reform the agency needs isn’t going to happen with a hold over appointment.
Category: Veterans' Affairs Department
Color me skeptical, but nonetheless Trump’s vetting process has found some quality talent.
Here is hoping that the good Doctor will abide by the maxim “Physician, heal thyself.”
Time will tell, but IMHO the VA needs to be shaken up and cleaned out from top to bottom starting with jettisoning the career slackers only interested in doing as little as they can until they reach retirement. Getting rid of bonuses for the executive types would also be a good move.
That any executive public servant gets bonuses baffles and disgusts me.
All my years of working for the various levels of government, I’ve never gotten a bonus more elaborate than a plaque, medal, ribbon, paper, or other bauble. As a committed public servant, that’s all I expect. I’m paid to do a good job, I don’t need incentive/bonus pay to do it.
Shulkin cuts both ways.
Keep in mind his first edict when taking over the VHA was he would not talk to Veterans.
Be careful of what you wish for.
I was hoping Trump was gonna pick Pete Hegseth.
According to an article at Newsmax.com, CVA is supporting the nomination.
‘Course so is IAVA, so there’s that…..
Safe to say if this guy does not perform, Trump will not hesitate to fire him.
+54. My thoughts exactly.
Here’s hoping that he knows where the skeletons are hidden and has the will to clean them out. If not, may he be gone quickly. Of course, Congress needs to give him a few tools to use in getting rid of those who are causing the problems.
The VA is NOT the place for rewarding incompetence the way bureaucracies tend to develop into welfare programs for employees. Well, we don’t deserve it at all.
Shulkin has done well in the current position he holds. Hoping he continues to drive the reforms, and to unfuck the VA.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. There have been major strides since he took over after Phoenix. I know there’s much more to do. But I think he will do fine . Finger crossed
Trump: “Another no? What number is that?”
Aide: “Including those who declined to interview, sir, that’s 15.”
Trump: “Goddammit. Okay. Call what’s his name–Doctor Shitcan or whatever his name is–and ask him to come in.”
Aide: “I hope you don’t mind, sir, but I figured you would get around to him. He’s been in the waiting area for three days.”
Trump: “Goddamit.”
We’ll see what he does. So far the performance of -0-‘s “outsider” appointments hasn’t been exactly stellar.
Skeptical but I’m willing to see what happens. Trump has made some pretty good nominations so far and if his past is any indication he is not shy about firing someone that isn’t cutting it and moving someone else in
One thing about CEOs as contrasted to politicians – they expect performance and results or you get then ax.
I hope he doesn’t try to cross Trump. Look what happened to Christie when he got caught doing something stupid. I believe he is now PNG at Trump towers.
Trump does not suffer fools gladly.
Fixin the Va is like “Pissing in the wind” and you know what happens when you do that.