VFAF’s Tiffany Savage Slams Fake News by The Guardian on VA Doctors in her Latest Editorial

The Guardian’s recent article claiming VA doctors can now refuse to treat unmarried veterans or Democrats is a blatant piece of disinformation designed to sow division and fear. This story is so far removed from reality that the VA has formally requested its retraction. Any outlet repeating this narrative—without verifying the facts—is complicit in spreading lies. Let’s set the record straight.

The VA’s updated guidelines, prompted by President Trump’s January 30 executive order, are a procedural formality to align internal policies with existing federal law. They do NOT allow discrimination against veterans based on marital status, political affiliation, or any other unprotected characteristic. Federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and VA’s own policies, explicitly prohibits discrimination in healthcare delivery or employment based on such factors. The VA’s press secretary, Peter Kasperowicz, confirmed: “All eligible veterans will always be welcome at VA and will always receive the benefits and services they’ve earned under the law.”

The Guardian’s claim hinges on a misinterpretation of the removal of certain terms like “politics” and “marital status” from VA bylaws. These changes reflect a streamlining to match federal protections, not an open door to discrimination. Veterans remain entitled to care regardless of personal characteristics, and staff cannot be fired for their political beliefs or marital status—federal law forbids it. The VA’s commitment to serving all 9 million veterans across its 170 hospitals and 1,000+ clinics remains ironclad.

Why is the Guardian pushing this narrative? It’s no secret: their extreme liberal bias drives them to paint any Trump-related policy as dystopian. This isn’t journalism—it’s activism masquerading as reporting. By cherry-picking quotes and ignoring the VA’s clear statements, they’re banking on outrage clicks, not truth. Medical experts like Arthur Caplan, quoted in the article, call the changes “disturbing,” but their concerns are speculative and lack evidence of actual discrimination.

The VA’s own response debunks this hysteria. Kasperowicz clarified that the updates are a “formality” to ensure compliance with federal law, not a license to deny care. No specific law was cited because the changes align with broad anti-discrimination statutes already in place. Outlets like Common Dreams and Raw Story, which echoed the Guardian’s claims, didn’t bother to dig deeper—they just regurgitated the same misleading narrative.

This disinformation campaign is an insult to veterans and VA staff. It exploits the sacrifices of those who served to push a political agenda. The truth? Federal law protects veterans’ access to care and VA employees’ rights. No veteran will be turned away, and no doctor will be fired over politics or marital status. The Guardian should retract this story and issue an apology for misleading the public. Until then, don’t fall for the fearmongering—check the facts for yourself.

Tiffany Savage "Savvy" 
VFAF National Communications Director 
Field Director 2024 Trump Campaign 



 
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