WASHINGTON — In his first White House Cabinet Meeting as Secretary of Veterans Affairs yesterday, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie underscored for President Donald Trump and the public how the President’s policies have led to near-record-low unemployment rates for America’s Veterans.
Asked by the President to talk about Veterans’ Choice with reporters present, Secretary Wilkie said, “Sir, it’s moving along well, but I would start with something else. We are experiencing, with the economic boom, lowering rates of vets unemployed. Probably the best trends that we’ve seen in many, many years…And that is — that is a boon for our warriors across the country.”
Under President Trump, as of the end of July 2018, Veterans’ unemployment stood at 3.0%. By contrast, at this point in the previous administration (July 2010) Veterans’ unemployment was 8.4% — almost triple the current figure.
Just as impressive, when President Trump took office Veterans’ unemployment was 4.5% and has declined and remained under that figure ever since, until reaching the 3% figure in July.
“Giving back to our nation’s heroes remains one of the President’s top priorities, and giving Veterans jobs through a strong economy does just that,” Wilkie said.
###
Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.
More from the Press Room
News Releases
As a part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, the Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its Close to Me cancer care program.
News Releases
The Department of Veterans Affairs posted a final rule amending its regulations regarding character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other than honorable conditions or by special court-martial.
News Releases
The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense expanded their existing partnership to allow Veterans, soldiers, cadets, and other beneficiaries to receive care from the Keller Army Community Hospital (KACH) on the West Point Army Installation and at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System.