President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, a decision that underscores his commitment to improving care for America’s veterans. The announcement was made on Thursday as Trump continues to fill key positions in his incoming administration.
“Doug is a Veteran himself, who currently serves our Nation as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command and fought for our Country in the Iraq War,” Trump said. “We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need.”
Doug Collins, a former congressman from Georgia, brings a unique blend of military and legislative experience to the role. A veteran of the Iraq War, he has served as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. His firsthand experience with the challenges faced by military personnel and veterans positions him well to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
In addition to his military service, Collins has been a staunch ally of Trump, playing a pivotal role in supporting the administration during critical moments. Notably, he was instrumental during the confirmation of a Supreme Court justice in the weeks leading up to the 2020 election.
During a 2020 interview, Collins emphasized the importance of actively promoting conservative values. “We’ve got to take conservatism seriously because the liberals take liberalism seriously,” he told Breitbart News. “Many times as conservatives we think we can just sit by and everybody will just come to our conclusions. We’ve got to take that fight to the American people, and the American people will side with us. I truly believe that.”
Collins stepped away from his congressional seat in 2021, choosing not to seek reelection. At the time, he hinted at a potential return to public service. “This is goodbye for now, but probably not forever,” he stated.
As a former Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Collins highlighted his efforts to uphold constitutional rights and pass legislation with real-world impacts. “I fought each and every day to uphold our Constitutional rights and the freedoms we cherish,” Collins said. “I have always believed that when you are given the privilege of serving, you should strive to pass meaningful legislation that impacts people’s everyday lives. I’m proud we were able to do just that.”
If confirmed, Collins will lead one of the largest federal agencies, overseeing a vast network of healthcare facilities and benefits programs designed to serve America’s veterans. His priorities will likely include improving access to healthcare, enhancing mental health resources, and cutting through bureaucratic red tape to ensure veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
Collins has already signaled his commitment to these goals. In a post following the announcement, he wrote:
Honored to accept @realDonaldTrump nomination as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Our heroes deserve the best care and support.
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.… pic.twitter.com/StWK0XcYAm
— Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) November 14, 2024
Leading the Department of Veterans Affairs is no small task. The agency has faced criticism in recent years for issues ranging from long wait times at VA hospitals to bureaucratic inefficiencies that have delayed benefits for thousands of veterans.
Collins will also inherit ongoing efforts to modernize the VA’s healthcare system, including the implementation of electronic health records and the expansion of telehealth services. Ensuring these initiatives are successful will be critical to meeting the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse veteran population.
Trump’s choice of Collins has been met with praise from many within the veteran community and Republican circles. His military background and legislative experience make him a strong candidate to address the complex challenges facing the VA.
The confirmation process will take place in the coming weeks, during which Collins will likely outline his vision for the department in greater detail. If confirmed, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of veteran care and support in the United States.
As a veteran and chaplain, Collins understands the sacrifices made by servicemembers and their families. His nomination reflects Trump’s focus on ensuring that those who serve receive the care and respect they deserve.
For veterans and their families, Collins’ leadership could mark a new chapter in their relationship with the VA—one characterized by improved access, reduced bureaucracy, and a renewed commitment to their well-being.
Sounds like another great choice. I think the direction of my country is about to change. Thank you, God. Amen!
Frick, Absolutely, any positive change in the course of our Nation under God and especially with regard to the government is only because of His divine intervention! Many American Citizens have prayed but also humbly asked for forgiveness and a chance to get our Country on the right track again, and by God He listened with love and mercy!
I thank Him with you and everyone!
Amen.
God bless!
I hope he weeds out the incredible number of employees that do nothing for the administration so the money allotted for the Veterans makes it to them instead of into the pockets of a huge number of useless overhead people working there. He will need the help of Musk and Ramaswamy ASAP!
You’ve got that right. There are to many useless pencil pushers in our Government.
Chris, that’s right there is so much dead wood.
Matthew 7:18-20 “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
John 15:1-3 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. 2He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”
Amen.
Connie Fischer, indeed and that is so true and positive as it appears to be unfolding very much that way!
Schumer and the evil actors are already nefariously looking to short-circuit these great good plans in the works; so let’s pray that they are nipped in the bud before they can do such evil against America and We the People!
I totally agree with everyone’s comments here.
The veterans affairs is right back to what they were doing when that Anti-American Communist Muslim Obama was in Office,, Nothing for our Veterans and letting them go without medical support and in many cases letting them die.
Michael, absolutely and very well said!
think that is a great pic!