Appointee Watch A Wave of State, Defense Nominations

Last month, President Trump announced his third pick to lead the Veterans Affairs Department, following multiple ethics scandals with previous choices. Trump has tapped acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to assume the role on a permanent basis after former presidential physician Ronny Jackson withdrew from consideration following a number of allegations about his conduct in the White House. Before joining the VA, Wilkie was the undersecretary for Defense for personnel and readiness. If confirmed, he would replace former Secretary David Shulkin, who was ousted earlier this year after he was dogged by accusations surrounding his travel and acceptance of tickets to Wimbledon last year.