Major Shift: Trump Announces Funding for Veterans

Donald Trump before the beginning of the 148 Kentucky Derby

By reallocating funding that previously supported illegal immigrants, a new initiative of the Trump administration aims to accommodate up to 6,000 veterans by 2028. The effort brings together housing, healthcare improvements, and reintegration programs to support veterans experiencing homelessness. To support the efforts, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to create the National Center for Warrior Independence in West Los Angeles.

President Donald Trump signs executive orders

The White House stated, "The center will allow veterans from around the nation to seek and receive care, benefits and services to which they are entitled."

VA Secretary Doug Collins delivering speech

The order directs VA Secretary Doug Collins to oversee the establishment of the center and emphasizes accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development must use vouchers to support homeless veterans.

VA Secretary Doug Collins

Provisions include improving healthcare access, reducing wait times, and expanding virtual healthcare options. The White House stated, "The Center will promote self-sufficiency through housing, substance abuse treatment, and support for productive work for the veterans housed there."

President Donald Trump waves after arriving on Air Force One

The White House initiative aims to provide housing and promote the reintegration of veterans into the workforce through substance abuse programs and support for self-sufficiency. Los Angeles has about 3,000 homeless veterans, accounting for roughly 10% of the total homeless veteran population in the U.S.

The White House

The White House stated, "President Trump strongly believes that every veteran deserves our gratitude, and that the federal government should treat veterans like the heroes they are."

President Donald Trump honors the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles

The White House added, "Our goal is to turn the campus into a beacon of hope and a destination for homeless veterans from across the nation who can travel there to find housing and support and start their journey back to self-sufficiency."

President Donald Trump

The executive order instructs the VA to investigate the rehiring of individuals previously dismissed for misconduct. The order also sets a timeline to present an action plan within 120 days.

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins

Collins said, "Under President Trump, VA is implementing a host of important reforms to improve care and benefits for our nation's heroes."

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.