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VA Secretary Criticizes Reporter Over 'Rumor-Driven' Article on Agency Operations

Doug Collins confronts journalist Patricia Kime, claiming her reporting on unconfirmed claims about the VA and DOGE caused unnecessary fear among employees and veterans.

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Collins and Kime in a sit down interview
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Overview

  • Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins publicly challenged Military.com reporter Patricia Kime over her February article referencing unconfirmed rumors about DOGE representatives accessing VA systems.
  • Collins emphasized that the VA employs a single DOGE liaison to improve operations and denied claims of unauthorized data access or interference.
  • The secretary criticized Kime's use of the term 'rumors' in her reporting, arguing it created fear among VA employees and veterans, and requested a commitment to avoid such language in the future.
  • Media advocates and colleagues defended Kime, calling Collins' approach 'pathetic' and 'laughable,' while others pointed to broader concerns about VA staffing cuts and operational challenges.
  • The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by White House adviser Elon Musk, has been tasked with identifying government inefficiencies, sparking scrutiny and controversy in Washington.