Ronny Jackson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ronny Jackson
Official portrait, 2021
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 13th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2021
Preceded by	Mac Thornberry
1st Chief Medical Advisor to the President
In office February 2, 2019 – December 1, 2019
President	Donald Trump
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Anthony Fauci
Physician to the President
In office July 25, 2013 – March 28, 2018
President	Barack Obama Donald Trump
Preceded by	Jeffrey Kuhlman
Succeeded by	Sean Conley
Personal details
Born	Ronny Lynn Jackson (1967-05-04) May 4, 1967 (age 58) Levelland, Texas, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Jane Ely
Children	3
Education	Texas A&M University at Galveston (BS) University of Texas Medical Branch (MD)
Military service
Branch/service	United States Navy
Years of service	1995–2019
Rank	Captain
Unit	Medical Corps
Battles/wars	Iraq War
Awards	Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4)

Ronny Lynn Jackson (born May 4, 1967) is an American doctor, politician, and former officer in the United States Navy. He currently serves as a U.S. representative for the 13th district of Texas. This district covers the Texas Panhandle and parts of northeast Texas, including Amarillo.

Jackson worked in the White House Medical Unit starting in the mid-2000s. He was the Physician to the President from 2013 to 2018. In this role, he cared for both President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump.

In 2018, President Trump suggested Jackson to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, Jackson later withdrew his name. This happened after some concerns were raised about his leadership style while working at the White House. In 2019, Trump appointed Jackson as his chief medical advisor.

Jackson retired from the Navy in 2019. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020. In 2022, the Navy changed his rank from rear admiral to captain. This change was made after an investigation found that some of his actions did not meet Navy standards.

Early Life and Education

Ronny Jackson grew up in Levelland, Texas. His parents are Waymon and Norma Jackson. He has a brother and a sister who also live in Levelland.

Jackson studied at Texas A&M University at Galveston. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology in 1991. He then went to medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He received his medical degree (MD) in 1995.

Military Career and White House Service

Then-Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson while serving as physician to the President, in October 2016

Jackson departs Walter Reed National Military Medical Center with President Barack Obama in 2015

Ronny Jackson became an officer in the Navy after finishing medical school in 1995. He completed the Undersea Medical Officer Program in 1996. He worked in various roles, including as a diving medical officer in Sicily. He also served as a diving safety officer in Virginia.

In 2001, he began a residency in emergency medicine. He finished this training in 2004. After that, he worked as a clinical faculty physician. In 2005, he was sent to Iraq. There, he worked as an emergency medicine doctor with a special trauma team.

In 2006, Jackson joined the White House Medical Unit (WHMU). He worked for three different presidents. In 2010, he became the director of the WHMU. In 2013, he also became the Physician to the President. He stopped being the WHMU director in 2014 but continued as the President's physician.

After Donald Trump became president in 2016, he kept Jackson as his personal physician. Jackson also received the title of Deputy Assistant to the President. Jackson became well-known after giving a press conference about President Trump's health. He praised Trump's health and performance on a cognitive test.

Jackson held the rank of captain in the Navy. In 2016, he was promoted to rear admiral (lower half). He retired from the Navy on December 1, 2019. In 2022, the Navy officially changed his rank back to captain. This was due to actions that did not meet Navy standards for leaders.

Nomination for Secretary of Veterans Affairs

On March 28, 2018, President Trump announced his plan to nominate Jackson. He wanted Jackson to become the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Some senators were unsure about this nomination. They pointed to Jackson's limited experience in managing large organizations.

On April 23, the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs delayed a hearing on Jackson's nomination. This happened after some White House medical staff raised concerns. They spoke about a difficult work environment and improper handling of medication.

Jackson withdrew his nomination on April 26, 2018. He said the concerns had become a distraction for President Trump. Jackson stated that the allegations were "completely false." He returned to work in the White House Medical Unit. However, he did not return to his role as Trump's personal physician.

Investigation into Conduct

In May 2018, an investigation began into Jackson's conduct. This was done by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG). The investigation looked into 12 complaints about his behavior.

The OIG interviewed Jackson and many witnesses. In March 2021, the OIG released its report. It found that Jackson had inappropriate interactions with his team. The report concluded that Jackson "disparaged, belittled, bullied, and humiliated subordinates." It also stated he "created a negative WHMU work environment."

Jackson said that these allegations were a "political hit job." He believed they were made because he supported President Trump.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2020 Election

On December 9, 2019, Ronny Jackson announced he would run for Congress. He sought to represent Texas's 13th congressional district. The seat became open when the current Republican representative, Mac Thornberry, decided not to run again.

Jackson finished second in the Republican primary election. He then faced Josh Winegarner in a runoff election. Jackson won the runoff with 55.58% of the vote. He campaigned on his strong relationship with President Trump.

Jackson won the general election easily. He received 79.4% of the votes. His Democratic opponent, Gus Trujillo, received 18.5%. This district is known for being very supportive of Republican candidates.

Time in Congress

Jackson attended the "Stop the Steal" rally on January 6, 2021. This rally took place at the White House. Later that day, during the attack on the Capitol, Jackson was inside the building. He later voted against creating a commission to investigate the Capitol attack.

In February 2021, Jackson and other Republican House members missed votes. They said it was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they were actually attending a political conference. An ethics group asked for an investigation into these absences.

Jackson voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This plan provided economic relief during the pandemic. In June 2021, he also voted against making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

In November 2021, Jackson shared a conspiracy theory. He claimed that a new COVID-19 variant was made up by Democrats. He said it was a reason to push for mail-in ballots and "cheat" in elections.

In May 2022, an ethics office reported concerns about Jackson's campaign funds. They believed he might have used campaign money for personal use. Jackson did not cooperate with this investigation.

Jackson supported Donald Trump's campaign for president in 2024. He also voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This act dealt with government spending.

Veterans' Health

Jackson voted against the 2022 PACT ACT. This law helps veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals during their military service. It expands their health benefits.

2023 Texas Rodeo Incident

In July 2023, Jackson was briefly held by law enforcement. This happened at a rodeo in White Deer, Texas. Video showed Jackson trying to help a teenager who was having a seizure. A police officer asked him to step back. Jackson then confronted the officer and was handcuffed.

After the incident, Jackson spoke with the local sheriff. The sheriff reported that Jackson demanded punishment for the deputies. He also threatened to use his political power against the sheriff.

Committee Assignments

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Armed Services

Caucus Memberships

• Republican Study Committee

Personal Life

Ronny Jackson is married to Jane. They have three children. Jackson is a member of the Churches of Christ.

Jackson has stated that his nephew was injured during an incident involving Donald Trump in July 2024.

Awards and Decorations

Jackson has received many awards and decorations for his military service. These include:

See also

• Unsuccessful nominations to the Cabinet of the United States