AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s claimed VA success somewhat illusory
WASHINGTON — In bountiful tweets and self-praise, President Donald Trump plays up “tremendous progress” in improving care for veterans in his first year. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time.” — tweet Tuesday, with an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is “fighting for our veterans.” We will not rest until all of America’s GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. ___ WHITE HOUSE: “Secretary Shulkin has expanded access to urgent mental health care to former service members with other-than-honorable discharges.” — Nov. 9 press release. THE FACTS: This claim glosses over VA’s difficulty in hiring mental health professionals and providing counseling support to higher-risk veterans, due in part to a tightening VA budget. ___ WHITE HOUSE: “President Trump signed the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017 to authorize $2.1 billion in additional funds for the Veterans Choice Program.” — Dec. 22 press release.
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