An inspector general report from 2012 suggested "removing VA nominee Ronny Jackson and rival from White House roles after finding 'severe and pervasive lack of trust in the leadership,'" the Associated Press reports.

The big picture: The report details how Jackson and "a rival physician exhibited 'unprofessional behaviors' as they engaged in a power struggle over the White House medical unit," as described by the AP. Jackson has come under fire recently after being nominated to lead the Veterans Affairs department, with even the White House fearing he won't be confirmed.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official defended Jackson, highlighting in a statement how he was promoted under both Republican and Democrat administrations. The official added that Jackson has "never even been the subject of an Inspector General review and he will certainly not be railroaded by a bitter ex-colleague who was removed from his job.”