Veterans Affairs deputy secretary James Byrne was fired Monday morning, three Trump administration officials tell Axios. The White House confirmed that Byrne is no longer with the administration.
Why it matters: The VA has recently been in inner turmoil. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said he dismissed Byrne “due to loss of confidence in Mr. Byrne’s ability to carry out his duties.” Wilkie said the decision “is effective immediately,” following Axios’ reporting.
Between the lines: The VA has come under fire after a House staff member said she was sexually assaulted at the VA hospital in Washington. The White House was disappointed by the way Wilkie and the VA handled the situation, according to three sources close to the situation.
- Facing pressure from the White House, Wilkie asked for Byrne’s resignation Monday morning, according to the sources.
- VA press secretary Christina Mandreucci denied that Byrne’s dismissal was related to the sexual assault investigation, but did not elaborate further.