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Trump VA Memo Strips LGBTQ Labels, Sparks Veteran Risks

6/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration issued a Veterans Affairs memo ordering the removal of LGBTQ+ labels from staff and programs.
The memo directs the Veterans Health Administration to eliminate gender-identity initiatives and rename LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators as Care Coordinators nationwide.
VA providers and former director Michael Kauth warn the changes could end PRIDE in All Who Served and CBT-PRISM, raising violence, homelessness and mental-health risks for LGBTQ+ veterans.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration issued a Veterans Affairs memo ordering the removal of LGBTQ+ labels from staff and programs.
The memo directs the Veterans Health Administration to eliminate gender-identity initiatives and rename LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators as Care Coordinators nationwide.
VA providers and former director Michael Kauth warn the changes could end PRIDE in All Who Served and CBT-PRISM, raising violence, homelessness and mental-health risks for LGBTQ+ veterans.