Deputy VA secretary fired after less than 5 months on the job
Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie on Monday announced the abrupt firing of his No. 2 at the VA, James Byrne, after less than five months formally on the job.
“Today, I dismissed VA Deputy Secretary James Byrne due to loss of confidence in Mr. Byrne’s ability to carry out his duties,” Wilkie said in a brief, cryptic statement posted on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. “This decision is effective immediately.”
Byrne was only confirmed in the Senate on Sept. 11 by an 81-11 vote. His departure continues a trend of leadership turmoil at President Donald Trump’s Department of Veterans Affairs. The president’s first VA Secretary, David Shulkin, was forced out after questions emerged about taxpayer-funded travels, and his pick to replace Shulkin, then-White House physician Ronny Jackson, withdrew from consideration amid reports of misconduct on the job.
Byrne himself served as acting deputy secretary for some time prior to his Senate confirmation after Shulkin’s deputy left in the wake of his firing. Prior to that, Byrne served as general counsel for the VA. Axios first reported his firing.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/deputy-va-secretary-fired-after-less-than-5-months-on-the-job/ar-BBZC3KO?li=BBnbcA1
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