Trump VA Cuts Spark Outcry Over Veteran Care

The Trump administration's proposed 15% budget cut to the Department of Veterans Affairs has drawn strong backlash from veterans, healthcare providers, and lawmakers, with critics warning that the reductions are harming care for the nation's 9 million veterans. Congressman Greg Stanton and others argue the cuts could worsen long wait times and risk a return to previous crises in VA care, particularly in Phoenix. Internal VA emails reveal that cost-cutting measures have already halted life-saving clinical trials for cancer, kidney disease, and traumatic brain injuries, causing over 1,000 veterans to lose access to vital treatments. Although some decisions were reversed and certain trials allowed to continue, other essential research remains stalled, and critical cancer tracking databases are at risk due to terminated contracts. VA Secretary Doug Collins maintains that the intention is to cut bureaucracy, not primary healthcare, but VA staff and veterans argue that support roles are essential for comprehensive care. The controversy highlights a significant gap between the administration's assurances and the negative impacts reported by VA doctors and patients.