Trump Signs Order Establishing National Center for Warrior Independence

Man in suit speaking at podium with flag background

President Trump has ordered a major transformation of the West Los Angeles VA campus into the largest center for homeless veterans in America, redirecting funds originally intended for illegal immigrant services.

Key Takeaways

President Trump signed an executive order establishing the National Center for Warrior Independence at the West Los Angeles VA campus, aiming to house 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028.
Funding for the initiative will be redirected from resources previously allocated for illegal immigrant services.
The center will provide comprehensive support including housing, substance abuse treatment, and job training programs.
Los Angeles has approximately 3,000 homeless veterans, representing about 10% of the nationwide total of 32,882.
The VA Secretary has 120 days to present an action plan for the center’s development to the White House.

Transforming the West LA Veterans Campus

President Donald Trump took decisive action on May 9, 2025, signing an executive order to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Campus. The initiative will transform the 388-acre campus, which currently hosts a major hospital and medical offices, into the nation’s largest facility dedicated to housing and supporting homeless veterans. VA Secretary Doug Collins has been directed to spearhead this transformation, which aims to accommodate 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028.

The executive order represents a significant shift in resource allocation, with funding for the center being redirected from money previously earmarked for services for illegal immigrants. This reprioritization underscores the administration’s commitment to putting veterans first. Parts of the campus have previously been leased to private entities, arrangements that a judge had ruled illegal because they didn’t primarily serve veterans.

BREAKING: President Trump to build a national center for homeless veterans using funds that were previously spent on illegal immigrants.

The executive order is another fulfilled promise of the president.

"The new National Center for Warrior Independence will help them and other… pic.twitter.com/SiamfkIvNt

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 9, 2025

Comprehensive Support for Veterans in Need

The National Center for Warrior Independence will offer far more than just housing. Veterans will receive comprehensive support including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and workforce reintegration programs designed to foster self-sufficiency. This holistic approach aims to address the complex challenges many homeless veterans face, providing them with the tools and resources needed to rebuild their lives and successfully transition back to civilian life.

“Under President Trump, VA is implementing a host of important reforms to improve care and benefits for our nation’s heroes. This executive order builds on the progress we’ve made so far and puts us on a path to fixing some of the department’s most vexing problems,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said.

According to a January 2024 count, there were 32,882 homeless veterans nationwide, representing a 55.6% decline since 2010. Los Angeles alone accounts for approximately 3,000 homeless veterans, about 10% of the national total. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has been directed to use vouchers to support homeless veterans, extending the initiative’s reach beyond the Los Angeles campus.

Broader VA Reforms and Accountability

The executive order extends beyond the creation of the National Center for Warrior Independence, calling for heightened accountability within the VA system. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has been instructed to address misconduct and review previous rehiring decisions. Veterans will see increased access to care, benefits, and services, including reduced wait times for appointments and expanded healthcare options tailored to their specific needs.

“During my first term, I signed legislation to increase accountability and expand benefits and choices for veterans in accessing care, and my second term will build on those efforts. The VA campus in West Los Angeles will become the National Center for Warrior Independence with facilities and resources to help our veterans earn back their self-sufficiency,” said President Trump.

Additionally, the VA plans to create a medical center for veterans in New Hampshire, currently the only contiguous U.S. state without one. A feasibility study will be conducted at the Manchester VA Medical Center to potentially expand services. These initiatives build on President Trump’s first-term reforms, which increased accountability and expanded benefits for veterans, including modernizing the VA, implementing the Forever GI bill, and eliminating federal student loan debt for disabled veterans.

Moving Forward with Purpose

The VA has been given 120 days to present an action plan to the White House detailing implementation steps for the National Center for Warrior Independence. The West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, originally established for disabled veterans, has fallen into disrepair over the years, making this revitalization particularly significant. This initiative emphasizes the importance of veterans to national safety and freedom, reinforcing America’s commitment to those who have served.

“President Trump strongly believes that every veteran deserves our gratitude, and that the federal government should treat veterans like the heroes they are,” The White House wrote.

The establishment of the National Center for Warrior Independence marks a significant milestone in addressing veteran homelessness. By redirecting resources and implementing comprehensive support systems, the Trump administration is taking concrete steps to ensure that those who have sacrificed for their country receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve as they transition back to civilian life.