New Trump rule lets VA Doctors Deny care to some veterans

A recent executive order from President Donald Trump has changed rules at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, allowing doctors to refuse treatment to certain veterans. The new guidelines mean medical staff can deny care based on a veteran’s political beliefs or marital status. This could affect veterans who are Democrats or unmarried, leaving them at risk of being turned away.

The policy, reported by The Guardian, also applies to psychologists, dentists, and other healthcare workers. While federal law still bans discrimination based on race, sex, or religion, these new rules remove protections for other personal traits. Experts, like Dr. Kenneth Kizer, a former VA health official, warn that this could lead to unfair treatment. Some fear veterans seeking care for issues like sexual assault or those who use alcohol or marijuana might also be refused.

The Democratic National Committee called the changes part of Trump’s “revenge campaign,” saying they hurt veterans’ access to care. Veterans, especially women and LGBTQ+ individuals, may face the biggest challenges, particularly in rural areas with fewer doctors. The VA insists all eligible veterans will still get care, but critics, including Senator Patty Murray, call the rules unethical and un-American, demanding they be reversed. This policy has sparked outrage, with many worried it politicizes healthcare for those who served the country.