White House Strikes Down Claims: VA Hospitals Can't Deny Treatment Based on Political Affiliation or Marital Status

The White House is refuting claims that doctors within the Department of Veterans Affairs can deny treatment based on a patient’s political beliefs or marital status. According to The Guardian, VA facilities are already adjusting their policies following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January. The modified regulations permit medical personnel to refuse care based on certain characteristics not shielded by federal law, including political affiliation, marital status, or union membership. Additionally, the VA may evaluate health care workers for these same criteria. Peter Kasperowicz, the VA’s press secretary, did not dispute the policy modifications but emphasized that every eligible veteran will always have access to necessary benefits. He characterized the changes as routine, aligning VA policy with federal law. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly categorically dismissed the report, labeling it as “fearmongering.” Critics questioned the implications of defining qualifying veterans under the new executive order, particularly regarding potential discrimination on political or marital grounds.