Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie on Monday announced the abrupt firing of his No. 2 at the VA, James Byrne, after less than five months formally on the job.

“Today, I dismissed VA Deputy Secretary James Byrne due to loss of confidence in Mr. Byrne’s ability to carry out his duties,” Wilkie said in a brief, cryptic statement posted on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. “This decision is effective immediately.”


Byrne was only confirmed in the Senate on Sept. 11 by an 81-11 vote. His departure continues a trend of leadership turmoil at President Donald Trump’s Department of Veterans Affairs. The president’s first VA Secretary, David Shulkin, was forced out after questions emerged about taxpayer-funded travels, and his pick to replace Shulkin, then-White House physician Ronny Jackson, withdrew from consideration amid reports of misconduct on the job.