Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins is standing strong against critics who claim his department’s job cuts will hurt veterans. On “America Right Now,” Collins made it clear that President Trump’s mission to streamline government is working. He promised no cuts to healthcare or benefits while slashing bureaucratic bloat.
The VA plans to eliminate over 70,000 non-essential jobs to return to 2019 staffing levels. Collins says this will free up resources for frontline care and faster benefits processing. Democrats like Senator Patty Murray claim these cuts will “devastate veterans,” but Collins calls this fearmongering. He argues the VA must prioritize efficiency over outdated bureaucracy.
Despite loud protests from liberals, Collins insists veterans’ services are expanding. The VA’s budget actually grew by $32.9 billion this year, with more funds going to mental health and toxic exposure care. Critics ignore that VA employees being cut are back-office roles, not doctors or claims processors. Collins vows every dollar saved will go toward better care for those who served.
Collins is partnering with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to root out waste. They’re reviewing contracts and outdated programs to redirect money to veterans. This includes stopping taxpayer-funded gender surgeries, which Collins calls a “common sense” move. Funds from canceled programs now support prosthetics and disability care.
Some Democrats claim the VA is being privatized, but Collins calls this a lie. He’s expanding options under the MISSION Act so veterans can choose VA care or private doctors. Wait times have dropped, and claims processing hit record speeds. Collins says choice empowers veterans instead of trapping them in failing systems.
At the “Vets on the Hill” rally, veterans cheered Collins’ reforms. Many shared stories of endless paperwork and delays under old leadership. Marine Corps veteran Matt Kenney wrote that Collins’ focus on cutting red tape is long overdue. The VA’s new electronic records system will further reduce delays once launched in 2026.
Liberal media like CNN attacked Collins over minor staff reductions, but he fired back. When pressed about unrelated scandals, Collins demanded to know why networks “hate veterans.” He praised a Florida jury that fined CNN $5 million for smearing a Navy vet. Collins says biased reporting undermines trust in the VA’s progress.
The Trump-Collins agenda puts veterans first by demanding accountability. While Democrats cling to bloated bureaucracies, conservatives are delivering results. With suicide prevention programs growing and benefits processing faster than ever, Collins proves fiscal responsibility strengthens America’s promise to heroes.
