Trump selects Doug Collins to lead the VA
The ex-member of the House GOP has also served as one of Trump's past attorneys.
TroibNews 
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Doug Collins, a former GOP House member and one of his previous attorneys, to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.
At 58, Collins is recognized as a strong Trump supporter and frequently appears on Fox News. He represented a Georgia district in Congress from 2013 to 2021 and also served as a chaplain in the Air Force Reserve during his service in Iraq.
“Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need,” Trump stated on Thursday evening.
Under a Trump-led VA, a review of policies established during the Biden administration is anticipated, particularly those allowing the agency to offer abortion counseling and, in certain circumstances, the procedure itself, following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision.
If confirmed, Collins will face financial challenges resulting from a bipartisan 2022 law that broadened benefits for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic substances. This law has increased the agency's responsibilities and contributed to significant budget shortfalls.
Additionally, Collins will need to address the VA’s troubled electronic health records overhaul. This initiative has become problematic for both the Trump and Biden administrations, resulting in billions of dollars in overruns, an indefinite pause, and links to multiple veterans' deaths and various safety concerns—issues that are likely to come up during his Senate confirmation process.
On Thursday, Collins emphasized his commitment to reducing regulations and eliminating “corruption” through a post on X.
“We'll fight tirelessly to streamline and cut regulations in the VA, root out corruption, and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they've earned,” Collins declared. “Together, we'll make the VA work for those who fought for us. Time to deliver for our veterans and give them the world class care they deserve.”
Collins played a role in defending Trump during his first House impeachment related to the Ukraine aid controversy. Trump was charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and he was ultimately acquitted by the Senate on both counts.
Choosing Collins is in line with Trump's trend of rewarding loyal supporters. Collins has also represented Trump in matters concerning congressional investigations into Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
In 2020, Collins unsuccessfully campaigned for a Senate position, losing in a primary against Sen. Raphael Warnock and former Sen. Kelly Loeffler. Trump had previously urged Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to appoint Collins to an empty Senate seat, but Kemp chose Loeffler instead.
Collins decided not to run for a Senate seat in Georgia in 2022, which was ultimately won by Warnock after Herschel Walker, the former NFL running back, lost the race.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
At 58, Collins is recognized as a strong Trump supporter and frequently appears on Fox News. He represented a Georgia district in Congress from 2013 to 2021 and also served as a chaplain in the Air Force Reserve during his service in Iraq.
“Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need,” Trump stated on Thursday evening.
Under a Trump-led VA, a review of policies established during the Biden administration is anticipated, particularly those allowing the agency to offer abortion counseling and, in certain circumstances, the procedure itself, following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision.
If confirmed, Collins will face financial challenges resulting from a bipartisan 2022 law that broadened benefits for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic substances. This law has increased the agency's responsibilities and contributed to significant budget shortfalls.
Additionally, Collins will need to address the VA’s troubled electronic health records overhaul. This initiative has become problematic for both the Trump and Biden administrations, resulting in billions of dollars in overruns, an indefinite pause, and links to multiple veterans' deaths and various safety concerns—issues that are likely to come up during his Senate confirmation process.
On Thursday, Collins emphasized his commitment to reducing regulations and eliminating “corruption” through a post on X.
“We'll fight tirelessly to streamline and cut regulations in the VA, root out corruption, and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they've earned,” Collins declared. “Together, we'll make the VA work for those who fought for us. Time to deliver for our veterans and give them the world class care they deserve.”
Collins played a role in defending Trump during his first House impeachment related to the Ukraine aid controversy. Trump was charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and he was ultimately acquitted by the Senate on both counts.
Choosing Collins is in line with Trump's trend of rewarding loyal supporters. Collins has also represented Trump in matters concerning congressional investigations into Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
In 2020, Collins unsuccessfully campaigned for a Senate position, losing in a primary against Sen. Raphael Warnock and former Sen. Kelly Loeffler. Trump had previously urged Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to appoint Collins to an empty Senate seat, but Kemp chose Loeffler instead.
Collins decided not to run for a Senate seat in Georgia in 2022, which was ultimately won by Warnock after Herschel Walker, the former NFL running back, lost the race.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
