Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin’s chief of staff has come under scrutiny following the release of an internal investigation that reveals alleged misconduct surrounding a trip to Europe last year. The report, published by the VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on Wednesday, claims that Vivieca Wright Simpson falsified an email to justify the inclusion of Shulkin’s wife, Merle Bari, on the government-funded journey.
The 11-day trip, which included stops in England and Denmark, was ostensibly for official business. However, the investigation indicates it was manipulated to allow Bari to claim approximately $4,000 in airfare reimbursement from taxpayers. The findings have thrust Shulkin into the spotlight, further complicating an already controversial narrative about lavish travel among senior officials in the Trump administration.
The OIG launched its investigation after receiving an anonymous tip alleging misuse of VA funds. According to the report, Simpson directed her team to seek ethics approval to designate Bari as an “invitational traveler.” Initially, the request was denied on the grounds of lacking sufficient government interest. In a bid to circumvent this decision, Simpson allegedly doctored an email to suggest that Shulkin was to receive an award while abroad, thus legitimizing his wife’s travel.
A calendar compiled by the OIG illustrated the blend of official and personal activities on the trip, which also included tickets to Wimbledon—a gift that raised ethical questions about Shulkin’s conduct. Staff members were reportedly tasked with arranging leisure activities for Shulkin and his wife during work hours. The projection of costs for the trip topped $122,334, raising additional eyebrows.
While Shulkin has adamantly denied any wrongdoing, he described the trip as integral to the VA’s mission. A spokesperson for the department emphasized that his travel frequency is below that of his predecessors and that he travels without the use of private jets.
In response to the OIG report, Shulkin’s attorneys described it as “one-sided,” particularly contesting the allegations regarding the Wimbledon tickets. They asserted that Shulkin did not violate any ethical standards during the trip, and Shulkin himself accused the OIG of having an agenda, claiming the portrayal of the trip was misleading.
Though investigators found no direct evidence suggesting Shulkin was aware of the email manipulation, they identified significant discrepancies. Just three and a half days of the 11-day itinerary were dedicated to official duties, while the rest included personal sightseeing excursions—from a boat tour in Copenhagen to visits to iconic sites in London, including Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
Further complicating the matter, the report indicated that misleading statements were issued to the media following initial reporting by The Washington Post. The OIG has recommended that Shulkin reimburse the VA for his wife’s travel expenses and compensates the individual who provided the Wimbledon tickets.
In a significant development, following the recommendations of the report, Shulkin’s attorney confirmed that the secretary has issued a payment to the U.S. Treasury for the airfare. As for Simpson, the case has been referred to the Department of Justice due to concerns over potential violations of federal law, though as of now, the Justice Department has opted not to pursue prosecution.
The revelations have laid bare issues of oversight and accountability within the VA, challenging the ethos of responsible governance amid the complexities of public service.
