McDonald Takes Over as VA Secretary Today
Robert McDonald, secretary of the Veteran Affairs Department. Charles Dharapak/AP
By
Bob Brewin
The new VA chief's first day began with what appears to be a low-key ceremony at agency headquarters.
Following his confirmation as secretary of Veterans Affairs by the Senate yesterday, Robert McDonald will be sworn in this afternoon at what looks to me like at a low-key ceremony at VA HQ rather than at the White House with President Obama.
VA spokeswoman Victoria Dillon could not provide me with any details on McDonald’s plans for his first full day in office at this time – including whether he plans to follow through with a pledge made at his confirmation hearing to communicate with all VA employees via a videocast his first day on the job.