What a Trump Presidency Could Mean for U.S. Veterans

Donald Trump has a history of aligning with the Heritage Foundation's policies - and they're looking to cut veterans' benefits. Here's what to know.
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[@ARNYKATZ]

For draft-dodgers with bone-spurs, compensation will increase.

[@barbarahartlen4052]

Are you just plain stupid!

[@spaceballs44]

How can anyone vote or support Donald Trump in anyway?

[@bfattori01]

Because they are in a cult

[@gbereterbide6440]

Because the amount of public monies given to public education has not been increased in relation to population growth.

[@Skedawg88]

How? They vote their hate.

[@RiffMasterMike]

Because we know better. Why? Because of what he already DID do for us when he was President the first time. Ya’ll practically gaslight yourselves. Come back down to earth, people. The vast majority of Veterans love Trump.

[@user-eu5cz8rd1q]

No it's people that vote for Joe Biden that are in a dangerous cult fjb

[@benu_bird]

The plan is available on their website. Why isn't everyone reading it?

[@Arisaem]

Many of us HAVE read it. Plenty of streamers have done videos going over it too.

[@mainely8007]

It is now the most googled thing, surprassing Taylor Swift even!

[@losttwo704]

People are programmed to their source of information and not strong enough to think for themselves because it might hurt ego or be shamed for not being a sheep.

[@patriciamillin1977]

It’s 700 or 900 pages (statements vary), so that might put people off, who don’t have the time or the patience to read so many pages of dry content. However, for those who don’t want to read all of it, there are plenty of reports floating around the internet, that summarize the main points and their effects on the people if implemented.

[@charlottesmom]

@@patriciamillin1977 I’m currently reading it online slowly….it’s 920 pages.

[@TheWorldsEnd66]

Ultimately he considers many who gave their Service, and those who were POW’s as “Suckers” and “Losers”. He may avoid paying respects if you pass away before him if it’s too windy for his hair or his bone spurs are playing up. Not when golfing it seems. Commander in Chief? The US deserves better than this.

[@Barbara-jn2gw]

it may be gettin what it asks for which isn't much. I'll never vote for him

[@TheWorldsEnd66]

@@Barbara-jn2gw Our veterans deserve better than a President saluting them, a flag, whilst paying false homage to those who have given their all.

[@aaronjjacques]

19 independent sources debunked this. And not one source confirmed the story. Considering the president is protected by secret service there should be one person who confirmed the suckers and losers quote.

[@aaronjjacques]

However there is video proof of biden checking his watch when the corpses of the soldiers he abandoned were returned to us soil.

[@RepublicansJugglingLs]

​@@aaronjjacquesdebunked. 😂😂😂 He literally said it on video. How has it been debunked? 😂😂😂😂😂 Hilarious.

[@iammax1393]

Always good when people saying a Trump presidency will be catastrophic for this or that demographic actually provide context and explain why. It’s not enough to just say it and assume people know why. A lot of Americans just aren’t going to be doing that research, unfortunately

[@patriciamillin1977]

That’s very true. How many times have I seen comments about Project 2025 and someone else asks “what’s in it” rather than looking for themselves. They don’t even need to read the entire manifesto, there are enough videos, articles, podcasts and websites that document the main points.

[@losttwo704]

I was actually a homeless veteran during the Trump administration before and during the pandemic. I don't directly blame him, but facts and stats are what matter. I had to go through a lot of BS to get the help I needed and the small town conservatives I thought were supportive of service members and vets proved otherwise to include the local legion posts. I did my own research and figured it out for myself and stopped listening to hear say from tavern goers. Since then, I have to say the VA has improved drastically for me and all my health care is through the VA. People are programmed to negative talk, complain and blame. I feel mislead over the years for assuming Republicans really care about vets.

[@bellaflora.]

Sorry to hear you had to suffer. Glad to hear things are better! Thank you for your service! 💙

[@patriciamillin1977]

I’m sorry you had to go through that and were so neglected by your government who should’ve been taking care of you. May I ask how you ended up homeless? You don’t need to tell me if you don’t want to, I’m just curious as to why it is that so many veterans _are_ homeless and what people can do to avoid that. To change it, we need to understand it.

[@losttwo704]

@@patriciamillin1977 I don't mind sharing, I'm over the feeling ashamed. It's was a series of set backs all at once. It's the transition to civilian life and people not understanding why it's hard. Had more to do with friends and family constantly looking over my shoulder with expectations and not being able to talk to them, but they'd always be casting judgement behind your back. Most vets like to be alone and handle things the way they seem fit and at their pace and don't need much to survive because the military trains you for that. We also don't ask for help and a lot don't feel they deserve it and lack of trust. I didn't want to put myself back in the same situation with people so I did what needed to be done to separate from the environment,as I was told to do by a crisis worker with the VA until I was able to get consistent treatment with all health concerns. Pride and fear are probably the main reasons they choose to be homeless, substance abuse too. I hear a lot of us talk about being locked up in mental ward and then having a stigma to go with it. The experience changed my perspective about life in general and looking back, it needed to happen. Hope that helps, thanks for asking.

[@losttwo704]

@@bellaflora. Thank you! Don't be sorry, trials in life are suppose to make us stronger and appreciate life more.

[@patriciamillin1977]

@@losttwo704 I’m really sorry. It’s a story I’ve heard from so many, the family and friends not understanding what you and other veterans are going through. It’s hard for people to understand traumatic situations and the effects they can have on people if they have never experienced trauma. I can fully understand that you needed to remove yourself from what was essentially a very negative situation, I just wish it had been an easier path for you. I’m glad that you’re doing better, though, and I admire your attitude.

[@Skedawg88]

I am a Vietnam Era vet. I wouldn't under any circumstances vote for Trump. He has shown huge disrespect for our veterans. Moreover he should never have been Commander and Chief in the first place. A draft dodger? No thanks. Never again.

[@tommyoliver5106]

GO AHEAD AND VOTE FOR TRUMP. YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!

[@SpaceBethC131]

I will

[@marionabbott7173]

Unfortunately, the rest of us will also pay the consequence.

[@tommyoliver5106]

@@marionabbott7173 I WOULD VOTE FOR PRESIDENT BIDEN IF HE IS DEAD. A BAD DAY WITH PRESIDENT BIDEN IS BETTER THAN A GOOD DAY WITH TRUMP.

[@abby-ze6mz]

I do not want him. I want him to lose again.

[@mland40]

@@SpaceBethC131 A russian, or chinese TROLL BOT??

[@JackJack-zo4zt]

Trump realizes he'll make himself a target if he guts V.A. benefits, right? It's like he's determined to paint himself a target to an angry mob, one that I'll be a part of if he guts my benefits after I am finally almost finished suing for the rest of what I've been fighting for for the last 3 to 4 years.

[@jodyhall8731]

💙

[@brianvivickers3712]

Trump ain’t going to get it right. Re-Dump Trump 2024 💙💙💙💙

[@aaronjjacques]

Agenda 47 is his plan. The heritage foundation has been running the same grift since Reagan 1. Take the mandates official policy 2. Add an extra 1/3 of things that appeal to the extreme right 3. Fund raise based on those things unsupported by the candidate 4. Claim victory for "2/3 of their policies being embraced," aka the actual policies 5. Repeat

[@mainely8007]

Thanks for your service brother. I'll be right there with you. The right wing are always monkeying with our benefits after we earned them, seen it my entire career and it hurts the vets as much as it does recruiting and retention. Right wingers think you can replace a 10 year service member as easily as replacing the fry cook at McDonalds apparently.

[@reaper411b]

Republican lawmakers have been voting against veterans for decades, still got plenty of vet and active duty supporters. Because people don't want to be educated.

[@BigSunn0]

Someone should send this video to Biden

[@casey4602]

Biden signed into law the PACT Act which expands the healthcare benefits to vets exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq, Afghanistan, agent orange and 1st responders from 9-11.

[@samhavoc1066]

Because? You don't think Biden's folks have already read through the Heritage Foundation's plan?

[@williamsobat8339]

Veteran here. My fellow veterans need to help get the word out on this. Vote blue. 💙💙💙

[@babesimmons4017]

Our Disabled Veteran Son and his many many Veteran and Active Military pals are still reeling from the trump presidency and now Project 2025. They all are beyond angry. Hopefully their Podcast they are starting will be up and running soon. You will know the full story then.

[@patriciamillin1977]

It’s sad to see how many of them still support Trump, though, like they haven’t learned anything. I wish your son and his friends good luck with their podcast and hope they can reach the malinformed people who need it the most

[@SaintVodou]

If he wins, every vet fought and/or died for nothing. If we don’t fight harder for this country, if it’s lost because good people did nothing, we don’t deserve their sacrifice.

[@danielroque8504]

WWII veterans who fought fascism are voting for tRUMP!! Wow~

[@lynneslightom2003]

This is a disgrace

[@david4096]

Any body at votes fo Bone Spur,s is beyond Redemption.

[@ronlee2776]

What people need to understand is that the GOP has one goal and only one goal, that is to keep taxes low for their wealthy donors!

[@patriciamillin1977]

This needs to be told to every single Republican veteran who is still considering voting for Trump. Sure, they could say this is just a suggestion by the Heritage Foundation, that doesn’t mean Trump will implement it. Agreed, but given that Trump did implement many of their suggestions in the first year of his term in office (as stated in this video) all bets are off that he won’t do it again.

[@terrysilverback8604]

Say what !!!!

[@trippeddownthestairs8238]

The saddest thing is that the members of the military are largely a Republican voting block. So as far as I am concerned, if they want to vote red, then they completely DESERVE this!

[@mainely8007]

Military times did a study and found the Republicans are about 60% only. I'm retired Army, 34 years and say that lines up with my experience. Keep in mind the right wing are loud and stupid, presuming that equals a majority.

[@rogersmith7808]

You might be surprised. A lot of veterans are wising up, especially after the Republicans tried voting down the Pact Act.

[@patriciamillin1977]

@@rogersmith7808I hope you’re right. I have seen vets saying they will vote for Trump, but I hope they’re just a minority

[@rogersmith7808]

@@patriciamillin1977 Trump voters tend to be the loudest and most obnoxious which is why they always think everyone else loves Trump. Unfortunately, they're ignoring the more rational majority that sees him for what he is.

[@abby-ze6mz]

Unfortunately, many of them will still vote for him even though their benefits will be cut.

[@patriciamillin1977]

Unfortunately, they don’t know that their benefits will be cut, they’re not following what’s happening. People around them need to tell them

[@edwardjimenez-fv6zi]

Who would vote for it

[@granniefrannieyogi]

Vets look out who you vote for you could lose everything voting for Trump!

[@gracieallen8285]

Vote blue 💙

[@marilynt-smalls1094]

Biden all day long👍👍👍👍

[@SpaceBethC131]

Trump all day

[@losttwo704]

I'll vote for Biden even if he's in a nursing home. I was almost on the Trump bandwagon, the realized how easily brainwashed people are. Like Germany in the 20's- 30's😂

[@casey4602]

Cadet Bone Spurs all day "suckers and losers."

[@samhavoc1066]

@@SpaceBethC131 In a prison cell maybe, spacey Beth....

[@patriciamillin1977]

@@samhavoc1066Spaced out Beth, she’s obviously lost touch with reality

[@gigaus0]

This and the gold star family insults is why the military at large does not support this failure of a man.

[@rmcdudmk212]

Never forget if youre a vet Trump thinks you're a "sucker" and a "loser" 👍

[@pat77pat]

@@D3ltoro⬅️ 1 week old account of a wannabe-troll. 🦄

[@brianvivickers3712]

That’s why Trump needs to be RE-DUMPED 💙💙💙💙

[@brianvivickers3712]

Re-Dump Trump 2024 💙💙💙💙

[@Michael-tl2yj]

​@@pat77patTROLL, TRUTHFUL REPUBLICAN OBLITERATING LYING LIBERALS

[@D3lt0r02]

@@pat77patTrump 2024

[@pauljohn0001]

Yeah right all talk

[@Winners24-x8n]

Unreal

[@peppifree123]

Draft dodging Felon.

[@terencew7716]

SMH

[@1JamesMayToGoPlease]

Chump is *despicable!*

[@jasongoodwin1269]

Vote Blue 😊

[@georgemaxey5935]

BIDEN 2024 for the REPUBLIC!!!!!!

[@shaundunn4250]

Now y’all are worried about veterans? Hat any the last 3 years?😂😂

[@rogersmith7808]

Not sure who ya'll is but the Dems passed the Pact Act in 2022 which was the most comprehensive legislation to help veterans in decades.

[@samhavoc1066]

Try posting again using coherent English.

[@shaundunn4250]

@@samhavoc1066 that’s biden speak for “what about”🤭

[@KathyH231]

Misinformation

[@margaretchubb8941]

Then give us the facts.

[@SEN0BRM]

Okay what's Bidens proposal

[@raykahn455]

I get when one guy wants to burn everything down and thenother has a history of not doing so you still need to see his plan. Do you still touch fire to make sure its hot?

[@aaz7367]

Biden’s Pact Act now pays $3,000 per month to single Vets with no children and 100% disability and $1,000 per month with 60% disability and no need to prove a “service related” disability regardless of location of deployment. This is ten years retroactive as the realization of veteran exposure to toxic burn pits is causing cancer among service members. Biden’s program cut a ton of red tape, denial of benefits, and increased payouts. That’s not a complete list but I hope it answers your question of what Biden has already done, not just a proposal.

[@soulkitty11]

He passed the pact act! Republicans voted against it!

[@deathninja16]

NOT taking benefits is what his goal is.

[@jodyhall8731]

Biden gave service people a raise. It's a start 💙

[@SpaceBethC131]

Trump didn’t do any of these and I’m a veteran.

[@rogersmith7808]

You need to stop watching Newsmax.

[@SpaceBethC131]

@@rogersmith7808 what is newmax

[@rogersmith7808]

@@SpaceBethC131 It must be your "news" source if you don't believe what was put right in front of your face. Also, anyone who is pro-Trump and doesn't know what Newsmax is is either lying or just not very bright.

[@samhavoc1066]

Lying about Trump and probably about being a veteran, spacey Beth.

[@samhavoc1066]

@@SpaceBethC131 Yeah, I bet they don't watch that in Russia, spacey Beth.

[@jayvee0311]

I can agree. The VA is an open spigot. Moreover, peace makes less veterans meaning cuts are necessary.

[@samhavoc1066]

English not your native language? Seems like it. Taking away benefits from current veterans who earned them doesn't correlate to having less veterans in the future brilliant one.

[@Mike549ll]

@@samhavoc1066 Democrat being racist?? Shocker

[@carolharris1821]

Better than what we have been getting,,,,,,

[@mainely8007]

I doubt you're a veteran with talk like that - this Trump project 2025 is way worse and you know it.

[@samhavoc1066]

We? Who is the "we" you refer to? the 2025 plan is about taking away what veterans are getting now brilliant one.