Trump Reallocates $2.2 Billion from Migrant Aid to Veteran Homelessness Programs

President Trump has redirected $2.2 billion from migrant assistance programs to create the nation’s largest facility for homeless veterans in Los Angeles, aiming to house 6,000 veterans by 2028.

Key Takeaways

President Trump signed an executive order establishing the National Center for Warrior Independence at the West Los Angeles VA Campus
$2.2 billion in funding will be redirected from illegal immigrant housing services to veteran homelessness programs
The initiative aims to house and support 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028 with comprehensive services
Los Angeles has the highest concentration of homeless veterans in the nation with approximately 3,000
The order includes broader VA reforms for staff accountability, reduced wait times, and expanded healthcare options

Trump Signs Executive Order to Transform West LA Veterans Campus

President Donald Trump signed a significant executive order on May 9 to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Campus. The initiative aims to transform the 388-acre campus into the largest center for homeless veteran housing and care in the United States. Currently, the campus hosts a major hospital and medical offices for veterans, but parts of it have been leased to private entities, which a judge previously ruled illegal as they don’t primarily serve veterans. The campus, originally designated for disabled veterans, has fallen into disrepair over the years.

VA Secretary Doug Collins has been directed to spearhead the transformation. The Department has 120 days to present a detailed action plan to the White House for implementing this extensive project. The initiative specifically addresses the critical situation in Los Angeles, which has approximately 3,000 homeless veterans—roughly 10% of all homeless veterans in the United States. Many of these veterans currently live in deplorable conditions in the city’s notorious “skid row” area.

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

Reallocating Funds from Migrant Services to Veteran Care

The executive order redirects $2.2 billion previously allocated for services for illegal immigrants toward veteran homelessness initiatives. This decisive reallocation of resources represents a significant shift in priorities under the Trump administration. The funding will support comprehensive services at the new center, including housing, substance abuse treatment programs, mental health services, and workforce reintegration support designed to help veterans achieve self-sufficiency.

“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,” Trump said in a statement. “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.”

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has also been directed to use housing vouchers specifically to support homeless veterans as part of this comprehensive approach. According to a January 2024 count, there were 32,882 homeless veterans nationwide, representing a 55.6% decline since 2010, but the administration views this number as still unacceptably high given the sacrifices veterans have made for the country.

Broader VA Reforms and Additional Initiatives

The executive order extends beyond the Los Angeles campus to implement broader reforms throughout the Veterans Affairs system. The VA Secretary has been instructed to restore accountability within the department, including addressing misconduct and reviewing previous rehiring decisions that may have compromised service quality. Additionally, the order aims to reduce appointment wait times and expand healthcare options for veterans across the country.

“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,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.

As part of the broader initiative, the VA plans to create a full 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 explore potential service expansions. These measures build upon previous Trump administration achievements, including the modernization of VA facilities, implementation of the Forever GI bill, and elimination of federal student loan debt for disabled veterans during his first term.

Timeline and Expected Impact

The National Center for Warrior Independence has ambitious goals, aiming to accommodate 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028. This represents a significant portion of the current homeless veteran population and would make substantial progress toward the administration’s goal of eliminating veteran homelessness entirely. The center will focus on not just providing shelter but creating a comprehensive support system that addresses the underlying challenges many veterans face, including substance abuse issues, mental health concerns, and employment difficulties.

“The new National Center for Warrior Independence will help them and other veterans like them rebuild their lives,” the White House said in a statement. “The Center will promote self-sufficiency through housing, substance abuse treatment, and support for productive work for the veterans housed there.”

With the VA’s action plan due within 120 days, initial developments at the West Los Angeles campus are expected to commence before the end of the year. The initiative emphasizes the Trump administration’s stance that veterans should be prioritized in federal resource allocation, particularly when compared to services for non-citizens. This executive order represents one of the most substantial federal commitments to addressing veteran homelessness in recent years.