Donald Trump’s choice for veterans' affairs secretary has withdrawn from consideration after a string of claims of heavy drinking and inappropriate behaviour surfaced.

Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, the current White House doctor, criticised the “baseless and anonymous attacks on my character and integrity” and called the allegations “false and fabricated”.

Mr Jackson reportedly underwent no interview or vetting before Mr Trump picked him to head up America’s second biggest government department. He also lacks any top level political experience.

In a statement, Mr Jackson said: "Unfortunately, because of how Washington works, these false allegations have become a distraction for this President and the important issue we must be addressing — how we give the best care to our nation's heroes.”

He said he expected “tough questions” about his qualifications, “but I did not expect to have to dignify baseless and anonymous attacks on my character and integrity”.