NEW YORK, NY (March 28, 2018) – Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin today was fired by President Trump via an announcement on Twitter, following weeks of uncertainty and tension with the White House.

In response to the news, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) released the following statement:

“This news finally puts an end to weeks of painful speculation that was negatively impacting VA and veterans nationwide. IAVA members have been very vocal about their concerns with Secretary Shulkin’s leadership over the last few months. Our recent poll showed that only 24% of IAVA members surveyed approved of his performance,” said IAVA Founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff. “Firing a VA Secretary is easy compared to finding someone who can effectively do the job. Veterans have seen far too many Secretaries come and go over the last decade and a half. Now that a change of leadership has been announced, we look forward to learning more about Dr. Ronny Jackson’s vision and qualifications. We also look forward to a rigorous confirmation hearing, and specifically to hearing how he will address IAVA’s Big 6 advocacy priorities and the needs and opportunities facing millions of veterans nationwide and the over 3 million men and women who have served since 9/11. With our country at war around the world, and with veterans continuing to return home daily, this critical leadership role has never been more important.”

For more information on IAVA’s policy priorities, click here.