Trump Taps Air Force Chaplain And Former Congressman To Head Veterans Affairs [WATCH]

President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

BREAKING: PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP JUST ANNOUNCED DOUG COLLINS AS HIS VA SECRETARY!

“I am pleased to announce my intent to nominate former Congressman Doug Collins, of George, as The United States Secretary for Veterans Affairs (VA).” pic.twitter.com/wXlKCXsPrD

— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) November 14, 2024

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The announcement was made on Thursday, as Trump continues to shape his incoming administration with key appointments.

“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.”

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

Collins, a former congressman from Georgia, has long been recognized as a staunch ally of Trump.

During Trump’s first term, Collins played a significant role in supporting the president, particularly during high-stakes moments such as the nomination of a Supreme Court justice in the weeks leading up to the 2020 election.

“We’ve got to take conservatism seriously because the liberals take liberalism seriously,” Collins told Breitbart News in 2020. “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.”

A veteran of the Iraq War, Collins has served as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command, bringing firsthand experience to the role of Veterans Affairs secretary.

His background aligns with Trump’s emphasis on improving care and support for the nation’s veterans and their families.

Collins stepped away from his Georgia congressional seat in 2021, announcing he would not seek reelection. At the time, he hinted that his departure from politics might not be permanent. “This is goodbye for now, but probably not forever,” Collins said in a statement.

He also highlighted his work as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, emphasizing his dedication to upholding constitutional rights and passing meaningful legislation.

“As Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, I fought each and every day to uphold our Constitutional rights and the freedoms we cherish. 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,” he said.

Collins’ nomination reflects Trump’s commitment to strengthening support systems for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

If confirmed, Collins will be tasked with overseeing the Department of Veterans Affairs, one of the largest federal agencies, and addressing critical issues such as healthcare access, benefits, and mental health resources for veterans.

The confirmation process will unfold in the coming weeks as Collins prepares to step into his new role, bringing with him years of experience in both military service and public office.

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