Introduction to Trump’s Executive Order

President Trump’s executive order calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs to house thousands of homeless veterans on its West Los Angeles campus by the end of his term promises the relief veterans have been seeking in federal court for more than a decade.

Background and Context

The order gave no insight into how the president planned to overcome hurdles that have long stymied the dream of a vibrant veteran community on the 388-acre property, which was donated to the U.S. government in 1888 as a home for disabled soldiers. Trump’s order called for establishing a National Center for Warrior Independence — with the capacity to house about 6,000 — “in which homeless veterans in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and around the nation can seek and receive the care, benefits, and services to which they are entitled.”

Reaction from Veterans and Advocates

Veterans and their advocates, who have been critical of the VA’s management of the grounds, welcomed the announcement as a presidential endorsement of their cause, but generally reserved judgment over what they expect it to accomplish. Some were openly skeptical. “If this had come from any other president, I’d pop the champagne,” said Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), whose district includes the West Los Angeles campus. Trump, he said, follows up on “one out of 10 things that he announces. You just never know which one. You never know to what extent.”

Questions and Concerns

Among the questions not addressed in the order: How much would such an ambitious project cost? Is there enough room for that much housing? And how might the president’s vision fit in with projects already underway to build 1,200 housing units or a judge’s order, now under appeal, for at least 1,800 more? Within the order, Trump called on government agencies to “ensure that funds that may have been spent on housing or other services for illegal aliens are redirected” to the VA, a strategy Sherman dismissed as show.

Funding and Cost Estimates

Based on current construction costs, Sherman estimates that the housing would conservatively cost $3.3 billion, a figure he said would require a congressional authorization. Sherman contrasted that potential outlay with the administration’s plan to cut spending by reducing the VA staff. “Show me the money and promise me that you’re not going to have cuts to veterans’ healthcare,” he said.

Implementation and Next Steps

Concurrent with the order, VA Secretary Doug Collins issued a statement promising to improve healthcare through shorter wait times, extended hours and more telemedicine. To do so, he said, the VA would become “the most accountable agency in the entire federal government” by holding employees accountable when they “fall short of the mission.” A spokesman declined to provide additional detail but said further announcements regarding implementation would be forthcoming. The order requires the VA to produce an “action plan” in 120 days.

Potential Interpretations and Solutions

Aside from the question of funding Trump’s goal, a major rethinking of current plans for the property — actually two independent plans derived from two lawsuits — would probably be needed to accommodate 6,000 new residents. Anthony Allman, executive director of Vets Advocacy, a nonprofit created to monitor the settlement of the first lawsuit, suggested that the order might require a shift in the VA’s housing strategy, focusing on serving 6,000 veterans rather than building 6,000 units.

Possible Shift in Strategy

Allman sees the executive order as an opportunity for the VA to rethink its approach to housing and services, potentially incorporating more transitional housing solutions, such as modular units, which could bypass the complicated tax credit financing and infrastructure upgrades that have slowed development so far. This approach could align with the judge’s order requiring the VA to provide up to 750 units of temporary supportive housing.

Impact and Future Developments

Whether in permanent or temporary homes, the possible arrival of thousands more veterans to the property puts new focus on long-simmering disputes over plans for a town center with commercial and social amenities and a job training center. Rob Begland, a recently termed-out member of the Veterans and Community Oversight and Engagement Board, emphasized the need for additional funding and new leasing authority to implement the original intent of the 2016 master plan, which included a town center, vocational training, and housing.

Conclusion

The executive order, while aspirational, lacks clear details on implementation, funding, and how it will overcome the hurdles that have plagued the development of the West Los Angeles campus for years. As Rep. Sherman noted, “It’s hard to look at this as anything other than aspirational. I appreciate the spirit that Trump was tapping into when he issued the executive order. Now we have got to get the money.”

FAQs

1. What is the main goal of Trump’s executive order?
   The main goal is to establish a National Center for Warrior Independence with the capacity to house about 6,000 homeless veterans by the end of his term.
2. What are some of the concerns regarding the order?
   Concerns include the lack of detail on funding, whether there is enough room for 6,000 units, and how the president’s vision fits with existing projects.
3. How much is estimated to be the cost of the housing project?
   Rep. Brad Sherman estimates the cost to be around $3.3 billion.
4. What is the VA’s current plan for the property?
   The VA has a master plan to add 1,200 units of new housing, but progress has been slow, with only 448 units completed.
5. What is the potential shift in the VA’s housing strategy?
   The order might require a shift towards serving 6,000 veterans rather than building 6,000 units, potentially incorporating more transitional housing solutions.