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Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins confronted Military.com reporter Patricia Kime during a heated exchange about her controversial reporting practices, specifically addressing concerns over unsubstantiated claims that were causing unnecessary anxiety among veterans and VA employees.
The confrontation unfolded after Kime published an article with the headline “Elon Musk Aide Now Working at VA Accessing Computer Systems,” which Collins criticized for its misleading implications and lack of proper verification.
VA SCRETARY SLAPS DOWN FAKE NEWS REPORTER TO HER FACE
Patricia Kime writes questionable pieces for bootlicker media to damage Trump. Doug Collins has had enough and calls her out.pic.twitter.com/eacasyWRTz
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) March 12, 2025
According to Kime’s published report:
> A representative from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency now works at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where they have been given access to contracting systems as well as information on VA operations and information technology systems.
The situation intensified when rumors began spreading on Tuesday about DOGE representatives allegedly attempting to collect data related to disability compensation and benefits.
This is absolutely beautiful. The way Doug Collins handled this is absolutely work of art. Not only did he call out the media, but he also made her concede to work on putting out deceptive headlines! https://t.co/3lsXGpGvbn
— Slow Country (@SlowCountry2) March 12, 2025
Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., added fuel to the controversy by releasing a statement expressing concern about the situation. “Musk and his associates already have the personal financial information of every veteran receiving disability or education benefits because of their illegal data mining at the Department of Treasury. Will they now look at private health records of veterans? What else will they do that could put the health and safety of our veterans at risk?” Murray, who serves as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, stated.
Collins quickly debunked these claims, revealing that the individual in question was actually a VA liaison, a crucial detail that Kime had failed to include in her reporting despite having direct confirmation.
When confronted, Kime struggled to defend her reporting methodology, attempting to justify her story by citing sources regarding the alleged DOGE representative’s presence at the VA. Collins specifically took issue with her tendency to use phrases like “rumors are circulating” and “we’ve heard that,” which he argued were creating unnecessary fear and concern among the VA community.
