Report: Pentagon watchdog finds Ronny Jackson drank on duty and harassed staff

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) allegedly made "sexual and denigrating" comments about a female staffer, drank alcohol and took sleeping medication while working as White House physician, according to a report obtained by CNN Tuesday night.

Driving the news: The Defense Department inspector general's report stems from a years-long investigation. Jackson has called the allegations "false and fabricated."

• The report covers his time as White House physician during the Obama and Trump administrations, and it's based on official documents and interviews with 78 witnesses, per CNN.

Zoom in: Among the allegations are that Jackson was known for "yelling, screaming, cursing, or belittling subordinates," drinking while on presidential trips, in violation of protocol and taking Ambien on long flights while on duty, according to CNN.

• The report is expected to be publicly released on Wednesday.

What they're saying: Jackson, who was elected to the House last November, said in an emailed statement that Democrats were using the report "to repeat and rehash untrue attacks on my integrity."

• He said he was the "subject of a political hit job" three years ago and that today, the inspector general's report has "resurrected those same false allegations from my years with the Obama Administration because I have refused to turn my back on President Trump."
• "I'm proud of the work environment I fostered under three different Presidents of both parties," Jackson added.

"I flat out reject any allegation that I consumed alcohol while on duty. I also categorically deny any implication that I was in any way sexually inappropriate at work, outside of work, or anywhere with any member of my staff or anyone else. That is not me and what is alleged did not happen."

Of note: Jackson withdrew his nomination as Trump's nominee for Veterans Affairs secretary in 2018 because he said the original allegations about him had "become a distraction for this President."

• Representatives for the inspector general did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.