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VA Secretary Accuses Reporter of Spreading ‘Rumors’ About DOGE That Hurt Veterans in Tense Clash
In a heated exchange, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins accused a reporter of spreading “rumors” about the Digital Opportunity Group Enterprise (DOGE) that damaged veterans.
The tense clash occurred during an interview with Patricia Kime, a journalist who reported on the potential impact of DOGE cuts at the VA. In response, Collins pushed back against the reporting, calling it unfounded and harmful to veterans.
“I need your commitment to help me push back against everything I’m hearing,” Collins said in the clip shared on his X account, which had garnered over 1 million views within a day.
Kime’s original report sparked outrage among some veterans and their advocates, who claimed that the DOGE cuts would hurt those who rely on VA benefits. The report has since been disputed by Collins’ office, with an official stating that Kime reported “rumors” about DOGE representatives accessing VA disability compensation and benefits information.
Zachary Fryer-Biggs, managing editor for Military.com, defended Kime in a strongly worded response posted to X. He accused Collins of “willfully misrepresenting” the reporting and claimed that his own press office confirmed the details reported by Kime.
The exchange has sparked controversy and highlights the ongoing tensions between the VA administration and some members of the media over the department’s policies and actions.
