In a significant policy move, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to establish a National Center for Homeless Veterans. This initiative redirects funds initially allocated for housing undocumented immigrants towards the creation and maintenance of the center, which will focus on assisting homeless veterans in the United States.
The issue of veteran homelessness is particularly acute in Los Angeles, home to an estimated 3,000 homeless veterans – the highest number in any U.S. city. This figure represents approximately 10% of the nation’s homeless veteran population, signaling a critical need for specialized support services. The White House has articulated that the new center will play a pivotal role in enabling veterans to rebuild their lives and access essential services.
In terms of specifics, the center is expected to offer a spectrum of support services, including housing, substance abuse treatment, and job support to foster self-sufficiency among the veteran population. The facility's ambitious goal is to accommodate up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028, as reported by Fox News.
Furthering the commitment to veterans, the executive order also directs the secretary of housing and urban development to allocate housing vouchers specifically for homeless veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been tasked with implementing reforms to restore accountability, including taking disciplinary action against individuals guilty of misconduct and reviewing reinstatements made under the Biden administration.
Veterans will also benefit from increased access to care through the expansion of appointment availability at Veterans Health Administration facilities. The executive order outlines a series of changes, including longer clinic hours, weekend availability, and virtual healthcare options, all aimed at reducing wait times.
An additional directive from the order calls for a feasibility study to consider expanding the Manchester VA Medical Center in New Hampshire into a full-service hospital. This aligns with the Trump administration's broader initiative to prioritize the needs of veterans through federal policy.
The announcement of the National Center for Warrior Independence comes on the heels of news that Trump will host a military parade on June 14, which will honor veterans and active-duty personnel and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army.
This executive order marks a clear shift in the allocation of federal funds, with a newfound emphasis on supporting American veterans over non-citizens. Veterans across the country are expected to benefit from the expanded care options and increased access to vital resources, underscoring Trump’s ongoing focus on military and veteran affairs during his presidency.
🚨BREAKING: President Trump to redirect funds previously used for housing criminal illegal aliens toward housing homeless veterans. pic.twitter.com/8wwykK1ZvR
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 9, 2025
A tweet from Benny Johnson highlighted the announcement, stating: "🚨BREAKING: President Trump to redirect funds previously used for housing criminal illegal aliens toward housing homeless veterans."
