Fact Check: New VA rules allow denying treatment based on political affiliation.

Fact Check: New VA Rules Allow Denying Treatment Based on Political Affiliation

What We Know

In June 2025, claims emerged that new guidelines from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) permitted doctors to deny treatment to veterans based on their political affiliation and marital status. This assertion was largely fueled by a report from The Guardian, which stated that VA doctors could refuse to treat unmarried veterans and Democrats under new hospital guidelines following an executive order by President Donald Trump. The report indicated that these changes were part of a broader shift in VA policy, which also allowed for the dismissal of medical staff based on similar criteria.

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) publicly condemned these changes, asserting that they effectively sanctioned discrimination against veterans based on their political beliefs and marital status, which she described as a moral obligation to provide care regardless of such factors (Murray's statement). The VA, however, has denied these claims, stating that all eligible veterans would continue to receive the benefits and services they have earned, and that the changes were a formality to comply with federal law (VA statement).

Analysis

The claims surrounding the VA's new rules are complex and require careful examination of the sources. The Guardian's report, which sparked the controversy, relied on anonymous sources and has not been independently verified by other major news outlets. While the article has been updated to include additional context from the VA, the core assertion—that the new rules could allow for the refusal of treatment based on political affiliation—remains contentious (Snopes analysis).

The VA's spokesperson has emphasized that existing federal laws protect veterans from discrimination, suggesting that the changes to the bylaws were not intended to enable discrimination but rather to align with Trump's executive order on gender ideology (VA response). Critics, including Senator Murray, argue that removing specific protections from the bylaws could create a loophole that might allow for discriminatory practices, despite the VA's assurances to the contrary.

Furthermore, the reliability of the sources is a critical factor. The Guardian is generally considered a reputable outlet, but its reliance on anonymous sources raises questions about the veracity of the claims. Conversely, the VA's official statements are backed by government authority, although their motivations and the implications of the changes remain under scrutiny.

Conclusion

The claim that new VA rules allow for the denial of treatment based on political affiliation is Partially True. While the VA has officially denied that such discrimination is permissible, the removal of specific protective language from their bylaws, as reported by The Guardian, raises valid concerns about potential loopholes that could enable discriminatory practices. The situation is further complicated by the conflicting narratives from various stakeholders, including government officials and advocacy groups.

Fact Check: New VA rules allow denying treatment based on political affiliation.