Trump’s VA Secretary Delivered Good News for Veterans for Memorial Day [WATCH]

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins announced continued progress within the Department of Veterans Affairs, citing major accomplishments under the Trump administration, including the launch of 10 new medical facilities across the country and a significant reduction in the agency’s case backlog.

Speaking ahead of Memorial Day, Collins used a series of public appearances and social media posts to outline the latest developments at the VA.

He emphasized that the progress builds upon work initiated during President Donald Trump’s first term and has been expanded during the current administration.

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“We’re continuing the work that has been done over the last few years,” Collins said during an appearance on the television program Just the News, No Noise.

“Some of this even goes back to the first Trump administration–making sure these facilities are getting open, [including] newer facilities.”

According to Collins, the newly opened VA medical facilities are located in states such as Texas, Virginia, New York, and Montana.

We at @DeptVetAffairs are proud to have opened ten new health care facilities during the second Trump Administration! pic.twitter.com/f4Vvw9kas6

— VA Secretary Doug Collins (@SecVetAffairs) May 19, 2025

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He also confirmed that plans are underway to open an additional facility in New Hampshire, noting that the process has already begun following an executive order from President Trump.

Collins, who represented Georgia’s 9th Congressional District from 2013 to 2021, was confirmed as Secretary of Veterans Affairs in early 2025 following President Trump’s re-election.

During his Senate confirmation hearing in January, Collins reaffirmed his support for programs that expand healthcare access for veterans, including initiatives that allow them to seek care outside the VA system when necessary.

One of the key updates shared by Collins was a marked decrease in the VA’s claims backlog.

Since January 20, the department has reduced its backlog by 25 percent, dropping from 260,000 to under 200,000 pending cases.

Collins attributed this improvement to the department’s decision to end remote work policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic and return VA employees to in-person work.

“We just got word of this, just in the last few days,” Collins said, referencing criticism he faced for lifting COVID-related work restrictions.

“In spite of all that you heard from the mainstream media and some members of Congress about, ‘You’re bringing people back to work. You’re ending the COVID work restrictions. That’s going to cause chaos and stuff.’ Actually, what it’s done is put our folks back in a community of effort to actually get stuff done.”

Collins stated that employees officially returned to in-office work on May 5. Since then, the VA has processed a record number of claims, contributing to the sharp decrease in backlog.

“I got great folks who are freed up to do their job,” Collins said.

“I think that’s the biggest issue. It has become a priority for us, and I appreciate especially the benefits folks doing this.”

Under President Biden, VA’s disability claims backlog increased by 24%. Under President Trump, it’s already down 25%, and we are working hard to keep up the momentum! pic.twitter.com/wyewDpibyS

— VA Secretary Doug Collins (@SecVetAffairs) May 23, 2025

The Secretary also emphasized the importance of restoring efficiency and accountability within the department.

“Look, I’ve always believed this: the American worker is absolutely the best worker in the world. When you free them up, take their hands and let them say, do your job—that’s what you get,” he said.

The announcement comes as the Department of Veterans Affairs prepares to mark Memorial Day with a focus on delivering results and improving services for the nation’s veterans.

Collins said the Trump administration remains committed to reducing delays, increasing access to care, and ensuring veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

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