A Historic Executive Order Targets Veteran Homelessness in Los Angeles
In a bold move that could reshape veteran care and homelessness efforts in Los Angeles, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to construct up to 6,000 homes for homeless veterans on the West Los Angeles VA campus, located at 11301 Wilshire Boulevard. The order requires the VA to submit a formal action plan by January 1, 2028, launching what will be known as the National Warrior Independence Center.
This order comes amid years of controversy and legal battles over the federal government’s management of the 388-acre property—once a vibrant center for veteran services that has largely deteriorated over the decades.
Background: The Long Struggle Over the West LA VA Campus
The West LA VA campus, one of the most valuable parcels of federal land in the country, was originally established to serve veterans but has long been criticized for being underutilized or misused. Over the years, portions of the land have been leased to outside entities, including a private K–12 school, a hotel laundry facility, and the UCLA baseball team—often at below-market rates.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles has continued to grapple with a growing homelessness crisis, with veterans disproportionately affected. Despite various federal and local programs, thousands of veterans remain unhoused in LA County, which has one of the largest veteran populations in the nation.
In 2023, a federal judge found the VA had violated its fiduciary duty by failing to provide housing and ordered the immediate construction of 100 temporary housing units and a plan to add over 2,000 more units over six years. However, the VA pushed back, appealing the decision and warning that the required funding could negatively impact other essential services.
A Turning Point: Trump’s Intervention
With his executive order, President Trump has effectively overridden the VA’s opposition and placed the focus squarely back on housing. The directive requires VA Secretary Doug Collins to lead the development of a comprehensive plan that includes permanent and transitional housing for veterans.
The order also:
- Calls for the revocation of existing leases that do not directly serve veterans
- Highlights the campus’s historic decline from a once-thriving hub to an underutilized asset
- Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to work with the VA to provide housing vouchers for veterans in the greater Los Angeles area and across the U.S.
- Includes a mandate to upgrade the Manchester VA Medical Center in New Hampshire—currently the only state in the contiguous U.S. without a full-service VA hospital
Trump’s statement emphasized the need to restore the VA campus to its original mission: “The campus once featured a chapel, billiard hall, 1,000-seat theater, and housed about 6,000 veterans, but the federal government has since allowed this crown jewel of veteran care to deteriorate over the last few decades.”
Legal and Political Implications
While the executive order lays out ambitious goals, its legal impact remains uncertain. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to issue a ruling soon on whether the VA must comply with a federal judge’s prior mandate. Trump’s action could either complement or complicate the court’s decision, depending on how the legal arguments proceed.
The order also arrives amid criticism of proposed VA staffing cuts under the Trump administration, which Democratic lawmakers argue could further disrupt healthcare services across the VA system.
Nonetheless, the executive action is likely to energize veteran advocates and housing activists who have long demanded accountability and more aggressive measures to tackle homelessness among veterans in Los Angeles.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Step Toward Restoring Veteran Support in LA
President Trump’s executive order to build 6,000 housing units for homeless veterans on the West LA VA campus marks a potential turning point in federal policy regarding veteran care and land use. If implemented effectively, the plan could not only provide critical housing to thousands but also restore purpose and dignity to a campus long criticized for neglect and misuse.
The success of this initiative will depend on how swiftly and transparently the VA moves forward, whether legal hurdles can be cleared, and if sufficient funding is allocated without sacrificing other essential veteran services. As one of the most visible veteran-related initiatives in years, this move puts a spotlight on Washington’s responsibility to care for those who have served—and how public land should be used to fulfill that promise.