Mar 02 2025 3 mins
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins has been at the forefront of several significant developments and policy changes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in recent days. One of the key highlights of his tenure so far is the outlining of accomplishments during the first 30 days of the Trump administration. Collins emphasized that the VA is prioritizing veterans, stating, "The Veteran is back first at the VA. We’re putting the Veteran first in everything we do."
A major change implemented under Collins' leadership is the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The funds previously allocated to these programs, amounting to $14 million, have been reallocated towards veterans’ health care and caregiver programs. Additionally, the VA has redirected $98 million to further support health care benefits for veterans, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing the care and services provided to veterans.
Another notable policy revision is the VA's new flag policy, which now mandates that only the American flag and the POW/MIA flag be flown at VA facilities. Collins underscored the significance of the American flag, saying, "For all of us who served in uniform, that American flag…it’s what unites us."
Efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse are also underway. The department has assigned employees to scrutinize contracts, ensuring funds are spent efficiently. This initiative has already yielded results, with $178,000 previously allocated for Politico newsletters being redirected to support veterans.
In a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, the VA has announced the dismissal of more than 1,400 employees in non-mission critical positions. This decision is part of a broader government-wide effort under the Trump administration to streamline operations. Collins assured that these actions will not impact VA health care, benefits, or services for veterans, and instead, will help the department allocate its resources more effectively to support its core mission.
Despite these changes, Collins has been clear about preserving veterans' benefits. During his confirmation hearing, he pledged not to "balance the budgets on the backs of veterans" and reiterated this commitment in a video message, stating that veterans' benefits are not being cut and that services are actually being improved. The Veterans Benefits Administration is reportedly clearing cases faster than ever, and Collins has emphasized the department's mission focus on providing the best possible care and benefits to veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
However, there are concerns among veterans service organizations regarding potential future changes to VA disability benefits. The confirmation of Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, who has been associated with proposals to reduce VA disability compensation, has put these organizations on alert. Despite these concerns, Collins has assured that any efforts to cut disability benefits would be met with strong opposition and that the VA remains committed to preserving the benefits earned by veterans[3][4][5].
A major change implemented under Collins' leadership is the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The funds previously allocated to these programs, amounting to $14 million, have been reallocated towards veterans’ health care and caregiver programs. Additionally, the VA has redirected $98 million to further support health care benefits for veterans, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing the care and services provided to veterans.
Another notable policy revision is the VA's new flag policy, which now mandates that only the American flag and the POW/MIA flag be flown at VA facilities. Collins underscored the significance of the American flag, saying, "For all of us who served in uniform, that American flag…it’s what unites us."
Efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse are also underway. The department has assigned employees to scrutinize contracts, ensuring funds are spent efficiently. This initiative has already yielded results, with $178,000 previously allocated for Politico newsletters being redirected to support veterans.
In a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, the VA has announced the dismissal of more than 1,400 employees in non-mission critical positions. This decision is part of a broader government-wide effort under the Trump administration to streamline operations. Collins assured that these actions will not impact VA health care, benefits, or services for veterans, and instead, will help the department allocate its resources more effectively to support its core mission.
Despite these changes, Collins has been clear about preserving veterans' benefits. During his confirmation hearing, he pledged not to "balance the budgets on the backs of veterans" and reiterated this commitment in a video message, stating that veterans' benefits are not being cut and that services are actually being improved. The Veterans Benefits Administration is reportedly clearing cases faster than ever, and Collins has emphasized the department's mission focus on providing the best possible care and benefits to veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
However, there are concerns among veterans service organizations regarding potential future changes to VA disability benefits. The confirmation of Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, who has been associated with proposals to reduce VA disability compensation, has put these organizations on alert. Despite these concerns, Collins has assured that any efforts to cut disability benefits would be met with strong opposition and that the VA remains committed to preserving the benefits earned by veterans[3][4][5].