Overview

• Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, challenged reporter Patricia Kime during an interview, accusing her of spreading unverified rumors in her February article about DOGE activities at the VA.
• Collins took issue with the article's claims that DOGE representatives were accessing VA computer systems to mine sensitive data, which he stated were false and misleading.
• The VA clarified that a single DOGE liaison is employed to improve efficiency and manage waste but does not have access to veterans' or beneficiaries' personal data.
• Collins emphasized the importance of accurate reporting, stating that unsubstantiated claims harm veterans and VA staff by creating unnecessary fear and confusion.
• The exchange, shared on social media, has drawn mixed reactions, with some defending Kime's reporting and others supporting Collins' call for more responsible journalism.