Who Has Done More for Veterans: Trump or Biden?
Both President Donald Trump and his predecessor, President Joe Biden, have been vocal advocates for veterans’ rights and have implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of America’s brave men and women in uniform. While both presidents have made their mark on veteran affairs, the question remains: Who has done more for veterans? In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the efforts of both presidents and provide an objective assessment of their impacts on the lives of our nation’s heroes.
Contents
Trump’s Vision for Veterans: A Breakdown
During his campaign, Donald Trump pledged to make major changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He promised to improve patient care, increase transparency and accountability, and reduce paperwork and bureaucracy. Here are some key accomplishments during Trump’s presidency:
• VA Accountability Act: In June 2017, Trump signed the VA Accountability Act, which granted the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the power to fire VA employees "for poor performance, abuse of alcohol or drugs, or for failure to act in a reasonable and Responsible manner." This initiative helped to restore public confidence in the VA and gave the agency a much-needed overhaul.
• Choice Program: Trump extended the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) for a year, giving veterans access to private-sector healthcare at no additional cost. VCP allows eligible veterans to receive medical care from outside the VA, reducing waiting times and increasing access to care.
• opioid crisis efforts: In response to the opioid epidemic, Trump established the Veteran Treatment Courts (VTC) program, which combines drug treatment, mental health services, and legal representation to help veterans struggling with addiction.
• Access to care improvements: Under Trump, the VA modernized its telehealth programs, increasing remote access to care for over 900,000 veterans. Trump also expanded veterans’ access to private care, adding 11 million new enrollments to the VHA Choice Program.
Biden’s Vision for Veterans: A Breakdown
President Biden has built on Trump’s initiatives and added his own focus areas to improve veteran care. Key accomplishments under Biden’s administration include:
• PACT Act: In June 2022, Biden signed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, a sweeping bill expanding healthcare benefits and services to millions of Vietnam-era, Gulf War, and Operation Iraq Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Inherent Resolve veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service.
• COVID-19 vaccines and health services: The Biden Administration has prioritized vaccinations and mental health services for veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration has expanded telehealth options, virtual support groups, and virtual mental health consultations.
• Women Veterans’ agenda: Biden’s administration has focused on issues specific to women veterans, including healthcare, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. The Biden-Harris White House Summit on Women, Peace, and Security aims to provide greater support to women veteran entrepreneurs and women in defense and national security.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here’s a table highlighting key accomplishments by both administrations:
| Trump Administration (2017-2021) | Biden Administration (2021-Present) | |
|---|---|---|
| Accountability | VA Accountability Act (2017) | PACT Act (2022) |
| Choice Program | Extended Veterans Choice Program for a year (2019) | Enhanced VCP access to care (ongoing) |
| Telehealth | Expanded remote access to care | Enhanced telehealth services |
| Opioid Crisis | Established VTC program (2019) | Expanding drug treatment services (ongoing) |
| Women’s Health | Strengthening women’s healthcare services within the VA | Focusing on women veteran healthcare (ongoing) |
It is clear from this comparison that both presidents have made significant strides in improving veteran care and supporting our nation’s heroes. However, one key advantage Biden has over Trump lies in his Administration’s commitment to addressing the growing mental health crisis among veterans**.
Mental Health and the White House Push
Since taking office, the Biden Administration has recognized the escalating mental health concerns among America’s veterans. In October 2022, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden launched the "Join Forces for Veterans" initiative, focusing on veterans’ mental health, economic empowerment, and education. Under this initiative:
• Increased funding: The White House has dedicated $6.5 million to develop and implement programs addressing military and veteran mental health needs.
• Mental health awareness campaigns: Ongoing public awareness campaigns stress the importance of mental wellness, reducing stigma, and encouraging veterans to seek support.
• Expanded PTSD treatment: Biden’s Department of Veterans Affairs has established new programs focused on reducing PTSD symptoms through evidence-based treatments, cognitive processing therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.
While both Trump and Biden have made improvements to veteran healthcare, Biden’s dedication to addressing mental health resonates as a significant contrast between the two administrations. Trump’s Administration focused mainly on improving physical healthcare while Biden’s efforts prioritize mind-body connection.
In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of both Trump and Biden in advancing veteran-related initiatives. This article highlights specific achievements but also underscores the importance of mental health considerations in creating a comprehensive plan for American veterans**.
Ultimately, it’s difficult to definitively answer who has done more for veterans, as both administrations have produced notable accomplishments. However, by comparing initiatives and scrutinizing the facts, this article provides a balanced account of the key differences in approach and accomplishments between Donald Trump and Joe Biden vis-à-vis veteran services.
