The Daily A Victim of the Shadow Government
Oct 24, 2019
David J. Shulkin, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the Trump administration, reflects on his turbulent tenure, marked by political interference. He shares insights into the 'dual path of decision-making' in the White House that complicated his role and led to his downfall. Shulkin also discusses the complex dynamics of privatizing veteran healthcare, revealing the tension between veterans' choices and the effectiveness of the VA system. His experiences echo the struggles of diplomats navigating a similar political landscape.
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Unexpected Meeting Announcement
- David Shulkin learned about a veterans policy meeting at the "Southern White House" during a televised event.
- He was unaware of the meeting despite being the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, which became a meme.
Dual Information Pathways
- Shulkin realized there were two information pathways regarding veterans' issues, one official and one unofficial.
- This unofficial channel involved White House meetings with political appointees from the VA.
Privatization Disagreements
- Shulkin's disagreement with political appointees centered on the speed and extent of VA privatization.
- He preferred a gradual shift of resources to the private sector, while others favored immediate, extensive privatization.
