Trump considered Democrat for VA post in bid to swipe his Senate seat, report says

President Donald Trump's administration spoke with Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., about becoming secretary of the Veterans Affairs Department after Ronny Jackson, MD, withdrew his nomination in the hopes that a Republican could replace Mr. Manchin in the upcoming midterm elections, The Washington Post reports.

The administration did not extend a formal offer to Mr. Manchin. He acknowledged the discussions but said they focused on finding the best possible candidate to fill the position, not necessarily himself.

But White House officials told The Washington Post they asked Mr. Manchin if he would like to be nominated for the position because they believed he was interested. They say they never gave him a formal offer because they feared if he turned it down it would be difficult for President Trump to campaign against him in the November elections.

Republicans are fighting to maintain their 51-49 Senate majority in November, and Mr. Manchin is facing opposition from Patrick Morrisey, the state's Republican attorney general.

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars