Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins didn’t hold back this week when he called out reporter Patricia Kime for what he says is spreading false or misleading information about the VA.
In a recent interview, Collins pushed back against what he described as “rumors and innuendo” being reported without proper verification.
Fighting Misinformation
Collins, who took over as VA Secretary earlier this year, made it clear that accuracy matters—especially when it comes to issues affecting veterans.
He pointed to recent reports where journalists published claims that, according to him, were unverified or outright false.
Collins didn’t dismiss the importance of investigative journalism but stressed that reporters should check their facts with the VA before running with a story.
He criticized the use of phrases like “there’s a rumor going around” and “we’ve heard that,” stating that such language “hurts my veterans” and “scares my employees because it’s not true.”
VA Secretary Doug Collins DECIMATES a fake news reporter for spreading rumors and unconfirmed reports about the VA:
“I want to work with you a lot in the future, but I will not have ANY reporters scaring my employees or veterans.”
pic.twitter.com/dO8sdB3q1y— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 12, 2025
A Push for Cooperation
Instead of just criticizing the media, Collins also extended an olive branch. He emphasized that the VA is willing to work with journalists to ensure the facts are right before they hit the headlines.
His comments highlight an ongoing challenge in modern journalism—balancing the need for fast news with the responsibility to get the facts right.
With social media and 24-hour news cycles, misinformation can spread quickly, making it harder for government agencies to respond in time.
The Stakes for Veterans
For many veterans, the VA is their lifeline.
It provides healthcare, disability benefits, housing assistance, and more.
When the media publishes unverified claims about the VA, it can create unnecessary panic among veterans who rely on these services.
That’s why Collins believes it’s so important to correct misinformation before it spreads too far.
Critics Push Back
Some journalists argue that government officials often use claims of “misinformation” as an excuse to avoid tough questions.
Kime, the reporter he criticized, has defended her work, saying that holding the VA accountable is part of her job.
Media watchdog groups have also weighed in, saying that while accuracy is important, journalists should not be discouraged from reporting on problems within the VA.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about one reporter or one government agency. The debate over misinformation is playing out across the country, especially as trust in the media continues to decline.
For conservatives, this highlights the need for less government control over information and more accountability in journalism.
When the government and the media are at odds, the public is often caught in the middle.
Collins’ remarks remind us why transparency and truth matter—not just in government, but in the news we rely on every day.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
