According to Marine Corps veteran and YouTuber David Pere, fears that former President Donald Trump might dismantle the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are unfounded. In a new video, Pere walks viewers through Trump’s latest executive order, which aims not to strip benefits, but to overhaul the VA’s performance, particularly in the area of homeless veteran care. The order zeroes in on a neglected but historic property in West Los Angeles and seeks to redirect misused federal assets back to the veterans they were originally intended to help.
The West LA Campus: A Broken Promise Finally Repaired
Pere highlights the historic roots of the West Los Angeles VA campus, originally donated by Senator John Percival Jones and Arcadia Bandini de Stearns for the exclusive benefit of disabled veterans. Over the decades, that land was leased out to private schools, UCLA’s baseball team, and other non-veteran institutions. This executive order aims to reverse that trend and restore the land to its rightful use: caring for veterans. Pere emphasizes the betrayal that occurred as this “crown jewel” of veteran care was allowed to deteriorate, and he praises the order’s commitment to reclaiming and redeveloping the land to serve its original mission.
Redirecting Funds: From Illegal Immigrant Housing to Veterans
One of the most controversial aspects of the executive order is its directive to redirect funds away from programs that house illegal immigrants and into services for homeless veterans. Pere addresses the potential political blowback but stands firm in his support for this shift, noting that the funds aren’t being newly allocated – they’re simply being reprioritized. The idea is to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence, which would include housing, medical services, job support, and substance abuse treatment for homeless veterans.
Targeting Corruption Inside the VA
Pere doesn’t shy away from discussing the darker side of VA operations. He reports that the executive order also includes measures to root out corruption within the agency. This includes taking disciplinary action against employees guilty of misconduct and launching investigations into why individuals previously fired from the VA have been rehired. According to Pere, these reforms are long overdue. “It does seem a little fishy that you would rehire somebody who was fired for misconduct when you’re dealing with veterans,” he says.
Accountability: The VA’s 60-Day Countdown
The order requires the VA to submit a comprehensive report to the president within 60 days, outlining concrete plans to reduce wait times and improve care. Pere explains that the VA is being encouraged to explore options like extending office hours, offering weekend availability, ramping up virtual appointments, and increasing external referrals. These are practical, boots-on-the-ground changes that Pere believes could make a real difference for veterans trying to access care in a timely manner.
Voucher Programs and the VASH Expansion
As Pere explains, the order doesn’t just aim to house veterans – it’s about restoring their independence. A new voucher program is being developed to support homeless vets through the Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) initiative, a Section 8-style program tailored specifically for veterans. Pere notes this is a smart expansion of a proven strategy: by increasing the number of vouchers available, the government can extend safe housing options without building from scratch. This plan aligns with the broader goals of the Warrior Independence Center.
Aiming to House 6,000 Homeless Vets by 2028
Trump’s executive order includes a bold goal: to house 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028. That number represents roughly 20% of the nation’s current homeless veteran population. But as Pere explains, the impact could be even greater. If the rehabilitation programs work as intended, more vets could re-enter the workforce and become permanently self-sufficient, meaning the number of people helped could well exceed the initial 6,000. Pere cites existing small-scale programs, like Colorado’s tiny home initiative for veterans, that have already proven the effectiveness of this model.
Fixing a Glaring Gap in New Hampshire
Pere also points out a little-known fact: New Hampshire is the only U.S. state without a full-service VA medical facility. The executive order mandates a feasibility study to upgrade Manchester’s VA Medical Center into a full-service hospital. Pere sees this as a long-overdue and necessary correction, ensuring that every state can provide complete care for its veteran residents. “That’s great,” he says simply – but meaningfully.
Pere’s Take: Ignore the Fearmongering
Throughout the video, David Pere urges viewers not to fall for media-driven panic. “Nobody is coming to take away and strip all your benefits as a veteran,” he says. He acknowledges the VA has room for improvement and admits it’s not perfect. But compared to other countries, he insists the U.S. is doing a “bang-up job” supporting veterans. His message is clear: while skepticism is understandable, veterans should remain optimistic and engage with the system rather than assume the worst.
A Veteran Helping Veterans
Pere’s video isn’t just analysis – it’s personal. As a Marine Corps veteran himself, he knows the system firsthand. He acknowledges that many of his peers are jaded by past experiences, but he encourages a different mindset. “If you go into the VA thinking they’ll screw you, they probably will – because that’s the lens you’re using. But if you go in optimistic, you’ll see just how much people genuinely want to help,” he says. His passion for the subject isn’t performative – it’s born from lived experience.
Good Policy, Now Make It Work
From a policy standpoint, this executive order appears strong on paper. Restoring land for its original veteran-focused purpose, cutting out waste, redirecting misused funds, and addressing misconduct are all practical goals. But as Pere wisely notes, the real test is in the execution. Will the bureaucratic machinery of the VA move fast enough? Will these reforms survive political turnover? That remains to be seen. But the vision behind the order is clear – and commendable.
A Call to Action, Not Just a Plan
Pere ends his video with a call to action – not to politicians, but to the American public. He encourages people to volunteer at the VA, support veteran-focused programs, and engage with the community. The changes on paper won’t mean much unless they’re matched by cultural support from both government officials and ordinary citizens. “We are making progress in a lot of ways,” Pere concludes. “So just stay optimistic and support the VA in the best way you can.”
Bipartisan Common Sense
This executive order is a rare example of bipartisan common sense in action. Regardless of political leanings, the nation owes its veterans more than just talk. According to Marine veteran David Pere, this move represents a serious attempt to turn past failure into future success. Whether it succeeds will depend on more than just paperwork – it’ll take persistence, accountability, and public support.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.