President-Elect Donald Trump has made headlines again by nominating former GOP Congressman Doug Collins, a lawyer and one of his previous close allies, to head the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Collins, a former House Representative from Georgia, is a man with a resume as long as his Southern drawl: he’s a military chaplain, attorney, and staunch conservative who’s been loyal to Trump through thick and thin. But is this pick a smart choice for veterans, or is it just another example of Trump rewarding loyalty over expertise?

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of putting Doug Collins in charge of the VA.

The Pros:

1. A Man of Faith and a Military Background

Doug Collins isn’t just any politician—he’s a former Air Force Reserve chaplain who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. That’s right, folks, he’s not just talking the talk; he’s actually walked the walk. He’s been out there ministering to troops in the field, seeing firsthand the struggles our service members face. For a department like the VA, which serves millions of veterans, it helps to have someone who can truly empathize with their experiences. Collins understands the unique needs of veterans, and that connection could help steer the VA in a more compassionate direction.

2. A Strong Advocate for Accountability

During his time in Congress, Collins was known for his no-nonsense approach. He’s been a vocal critic of government waste and inefficiency, and the VA has been plagued by scandals related to mismanagement and neglect in the past. Remember those horror stories of veterans waiting months just to see a doctor? If Collins can bring his passion for accountability to the VA, we might finally see some real changes in the system. He has the potential to root out corruption and streamline processes.

3. Political Experience and Connections

Collins isn’t new to the political arena. He’s served as the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, where he made a name for himself as a fierce advocate for conservative values. His experience on Capitol Hill and his deep connections within the GOP could help him secure the funding and support needed to reform the VA. Collins understands the legislative process, and he’s got the political savvy to navigate the bureaucracy and push through meaningful reforms.

The Cons:

1. Is This Just Political Patronage?

Let’s be real here: Doug Collins has been one of Trump’s most loyal defenders. He was front and center during both impeachment trials, standing up for the President at every turn. It’s hard to ignore the possibility that this nomination is more about rewarding loyalty than finding the most qualified candidate for the job. The VA is the second-largest federal agency, serving millions of veterans. It needs a leader who’s focused on fixing the system, not just playing politics. Critics will say this is Trump’s way of installing another ally in a top spot rather than prioritizing veterans’ needs.

2. Limited Administrative Experience

Collins may have experience as a chaplain and a politician, but running the VA is a whole different ball game. It’s a sprawling, complex organization with a budget of over $300 billion and a workforce of nearly 400,000 people. That’s a lot to handle, even for someone with a military background. The question is: does Collins have the chops to manage such a massive department? There’s a risk that his lack of executive experience could hinder his ability to make meaningful changes quickly.

3. Potential Partisan Battles Ahead

Let’s not kid ourselves—Collins isn’t exactly a bipartisan figure. He’s a strong conservative who’s not afraid to ruffle feathers, which could lead to clashes with lawmakers on the other side of the aisle. The VA needs strong, steady leadership that can unite different factions to get things done. If Collins takes an aggressive, partisan approach, we could see more gridlock and less progress for our veterans. His nomination might be great for rallying the conservative base, but will it help or hurt the actual mission of the VA?

The Verdict:

Doug Collins brings a unique blend of military service, faith-based compassion, and a strong track record of fighting for conservative principles. For veterans who feel sidelined by bureaucratic red tape, Collins’ direct approach and personal understanding of military life could be a breath of fresh air at the VA. He’s not a typical Washington insider looking to maintain the status quo; he’s someone who genuinely cares about those who served our country.

The concerns about political patronage seem overblown. While it’s true that Collins has been a loyal ally to President-Elect Trump, let’s not forget that loyalty doesn’t have to be a bad thing—especially when it’s combined with genuine experience and a heart for service. Collins’ loyalty to Trump has been rooted in shared values, not just political convenience, and there’s every reason to believe he’ll apply that same loyalty to the veterans he’s been chosen to serve.

The biggest hurdle he may face is his limited executive experience. Managing a vast organization like the VA is no small task, and it’s true that Collins hasn’t had to run something of this scale before. However, his leadership in the military and Congress shows he’s got the grit and determination to learn quickly and make tough decisions. If he surrounds himself with capable advisors and focuses on the core mission of serving veterans, there’s a strong chance he can rise to the occasion.

In short, Collins is a pick that might surprise his critics. He’s got the passion, the empathy, and the drive to shake things up and make real improvements at the VA. Veterans need someone who’s not afraid to roll up their sleeves and fight for them. Doug Collins just might be that person.