Trump’s Controversial VA Pick: Doug Collins, a Legacy of Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Abortion Advocacy
Former Congressman Doug Collins, Trump’s prospective nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, carries a lengthy and contentious record marked by his staunch opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access. Throughout his political career, Collins has consistently championed socially conservative causes, often aligning himself with the far-right wing of the Republican Party. This has raised serious concerns among veterans’ advocates and civil rights organizations about his suitability to oversee the well-being of a diverse veteran population.
Collins’s public pronouncements and legislative actions reveal a deep-seated hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community. He vehemently opposed the landmark Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, labeling it a "gross infringement on American democracy." He has co-sponsored legislation seeking to undermine marriage equality and has voted against measures aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and violence. His rhetoric often frames LGBTQ+ rights as a threat to traditional values, echoing the sentiments of anti-LGBTQ+ groups. This stance raises concerns about his ability to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ veterans who rely on the VA for essential services.
Beyond his anti-LGBTQ+ stance, Collins has been a fervent opponent of abortion rights. He has co-sponsored numerous bills aimed at restricting access to abortion, including measures that would defund Planned Parenthood and impose severe limitations on abortion procedures. His celebration of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death as an opportunity to further restrict abortion access sparked widespread condemnation. This unwavering commitment to an anti-abortion agenda raises questions about his commitment to women’s health and his ability to ensure that women veterans receive comprehensive reproductive healthcare through the VA system.
Collins’s Embrace of Election Denialism and the Far-Right Agenda
Collins’s association with Trump extends beyond social issues. He has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, actively participating in the #StopTheSteal movement, and even signing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn the 2020 election results. His continued propagation of election disinformation, even after multiple audits and court rulings affirmed the legitimacy of the election, raises serious concerns about his respect for democratic processes and the rule of law.
Further solidifying his ties to the far-right, Collins currently serves as the chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Georgia chapter. This organization, closely aligned with Trump’s political agenda, promotes a range of conservative policies, including restrictions on immigration, opposition to transgender rights, and the removal of what they deem "woke" materials from schools. Collins’s leadership role within this organization signals his deep commitment to a far-right ideology, which critics fear could influence his decision-making as head of the VA.
Concerns about Veterans’ Issues and Qualifications
Despite being tapped to lead the VA, Collins’s legislative record reveals a surprising lack of focus on veterans’ issues. He never served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and his legislative priorities centered primarily on social issues and aligning himself with Trump’s political agenda. This lack of experience in veterans’ affairs raises serious questions about his qualifications to oversee a complex and sprawling bureaucracy responsible for the healthcare and well-being of millions of veterans.
Furthermore, Collins’s association with controversial figures like Roger Stone, a long-time Trump confidant convicted of obstruction of justice and witness tampering, has fueled concerns about his judgment and ethical standards. His willingness to campaign alongside individuals with ties to extremist groups raises doubts about his commitment to inclusivity and his ability to foster a culture of respect and accountability within the VA.
The Future of Veterans’ Care under Collins’s Leadership
The prospect of Doug Collins leading the Department of Veterans Affairs has sparked widespread alarm among veterans’ advocates, civil rights groups, and Democratic lawmakers. They fear that his socially conservative views, coupled with his embrace of election denialism and his close ties to the far-right, could jeopardize the well-being of the diverse veteran population. Concerns have been raised about potential discrimination against LGBTQ+ veterans, restrictions on reproductive healthcare for women veterans, and a politicization of the VA’s mission.
The Senate confirmation process for Collins promises to be contentious, with his record on LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and election integrity likely to come under intense scrutiny. Veterans’ groups and civil rights organizations are mobilizing to oppose his nomination, arguing that his leadership would undermine the VA’s ability to provide equitable and high-quality care to all veterans, regardless of their background or beliefs. The future of veterans’ care hangs in the balance as the Senate considers the implications of entrusting this crucial agency to a figure as polarizing as Doug Collins.
