VA Secretary Doug Collins made headlines this week after calling out a reporter for spreading what he called “false rumors” about the Department of Veterans Affairs. In a tense exchange, Collins confronted Military.com’s Patricia Kime over her February article claiming Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was “mining data” at the VA. Collins waved a copy of the story, saying it scared veterans and employees with unverified claims. “I need your help because all I seem to be doing lately is fighting back against innuendo and rumor stories,” Collins said. He demanded Kime commit to avoiding such reporting in the future.
The secretary stressed that the VA’s partnership with DOGE focuses solely on cutting waste—not veteran benefits or private data. He confirmed one DOGE employee is reviewing contracts to save taxpayer dollars, but insisted no veterans’ personal information is at risk. “We’re putting veterans number one back at the VA,” Collins declared, adding that redirected funds have improved services. Critics like Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) claim DOGE’s presence signals deeper cuts, but Collins dismissed this as “unconfirmed hearsay” spread by opponents of President Trump’s efficiency reforms.
Conservatives applaud Collins for standing up to media sensationalism. The Biden-era VA had ballooned to nearly 480,000 employees, with many roles focused on diversity programs rather than direct veteran care. By trimming bureaucracy and refocusing resources, the Trump administration aims to restore the VA’s core mission. Collins highlighted $98 million shifted to frontline services and assured crisis hotline staffing remains intact. “Veterans’ benefits aren’t getting cut,” he said. “We are actually improving services.”
Despite fearmongering, Collins’ transparency efforts shine. He regularly posts video updates and takes tough questions—a stark contrast to past secretaries who dodged accountability. His no-nonsense approach reassures veterans that their care comes first. “I’m the most transparent VA secretary we’ve had yet,” Collins said. This openness exposes how liberal media outlets prioritize clickbait over facts, undermining trust in vital institutions.
The left’s outrage over 80,000 planned job cuts ignores reality. Many positions target redundant administrators hired during COVID-era expansions, not doctors or benefits processors. Returning to 2019 staffing levels allows smarter spending on veteran needs. As one decorated vet commented, “We earned these benefits and should appreciate what we get.” Streamlining the VA ensures resources go to heroes—not paper-pushers.
DOGE’s role exemplifies Trump’s promise to drain the swamp. By rooting out wasteful contracts and outdated systems, the VA can modernize without compromising care. Collins praised DOGE for identifying $20 million in Medicare overpayments—funds now boosting mental health services. While the left clings to bloated government, conservatives trust innovators like Musk to fix broken bureaucracies.
Some veterans initially worried about changes, but Collins’ leadership calms those fears. He meets regularly with veteran groups and vows to protect their hard-earned benefits. “When you want the truth, come to me—not the whopper line on Capitol Hill,” he said. This hands-on style contrasts sharply with Democratic alarmism that insults veterans’ intelligence.
The media’s obsession with “gotcha” stories backfires here. Collins’ bold defense of the VA shows Trump appointees won’t cower before activist journalists. By fact-checking fake news in real time, he models the accountability voters demanded in 2024. As reforms take hold, veterans will see better care—proving conservative principles work when leaders have courage to fight.
