Trump's veterans housing plan in West L.A. advances behind a wall of secrecy

"President Trump's executive order calling for a National Center for Warrior Independence to house thousands of veterans in West Los Angeles has gained widespread support, including among his political opposition. But as a deadline approaches for an action plan to be submitted to the president, supporters of the order have become alarmed that potentially radical change for land donated as a home for disabled veterans more than a century ago is being drafted behind a wall of secrecy."

"But Reynolds, who has become an unofficial advocate for veterans trying to obtain housing and services on the West L.A. campus, said the VA has blown an opportunity to build trust with veterans. "I've seen over the years how it goes when you have meetings behind closed doors and you don't consult with people affected by the plan," he said. "There's going to be problems with that plan.""

President Trump's executive order calls for a National Center for Warrior Independence to house thousands of veterans on the West Los Angeles campus. The order has drawn support from across the political spectrum alongside alarm about planning secrecy as an action plan deadline approaches. The Department of Veterans Affairs has required nondisclosure agreements for employees, contractors and officials involved in planning and has denied congressional staffers, veterans and advocates opportunities to review or comment. Veterans express gratitude for official recognition of the Soldiers' Home designation while warning that closed-door planning undermines trust and risks problems. Rep. Mark Takano convened a three-hour roundtable emphasizing eagerness to convert the campus into a veterans community.

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