Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins confronts CNN’s Brian Todd over a controversial report on call center automation, raising serious questions about the news network’s commitment to journalistic integrity.
Key Insights
- Secretary Doug Collins criticized CNN for allegedly publishing a false story about VA call center automation.
- Collins referenced a defamation case where CNN was ordered to pay $5 million to a U.S. Navy veteran, Zachary Young.
- There are no current plans to automate VA call centers, contrary to CNN’s report.
- Internal messages suggested an intent to harm Young’s reputation, raising questions about CNN’s editorial practices.
VA Secretary Challenges CNN’s Reporting
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins directly challenged Brian Todd over CNN’s report that inaccurately suggested automation plans for VA call centers. Collins argued the report dismissed comprehensive information that the VA provided, choosing instead to highlight opposing viewpoints.
Collins criticized CNN as “hostile” to veterans in a recent interview and referred to a past defamation lawsuit where CNN was found guilty of defaming U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young in a separate report, which awarded Young $5 million.
Call for Accountability Within CNN
According to Collins, CNN correspondent Brian Todd had repeatedly sought out the VA for comments on stories rooted in false information, describing the situation as a disinformation operation aimed at creating fake news. Collins urged CNN journalist Wolf Blitzer to demand higher reporting standards from Todd.
“I have a question as VA secretary,” Collins said. “I want to ask you because I’ve been curious about this because my job is to take care of veterans, and I would like to know why CNN is hostile to veterans – especially one in Florida who you just had a $5 million defamation suit. Taking offense at a veteran who was trying to help people.”
The veteran mentioned, Zachary Young, alleged that CNN falsely portrayed him as illegally profiting from assisting people during the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Internal messages showed a deliberate attempt by CNN’s Alex Marquardt to damage Young’s reputation.
True stories about the fake news: @CNN edition. 🧵
— VA Secretary Doug Collins (@SecVetAffairs) April 1, 2025
VA Automation and Media Responsibility
Despite warnings from the VA that the story on call center automation was not accurate, CNN proceeded with its publication. Collins stressed that there are no plans to automate these essential call centers, highlighting the severity of misinformation in media.
CNN’s senior leadership opted not to retract the story, suggesting the VA issue a statement instead. Collins called for increased accountability and cited the need for CNN to reinforce journalistic standards.
Sources:
- VA Secretary Doug Collins throws lawsuit in CNN’s face during contentious interview on Signal chat leak
- VA Secretary Dismantles CNN Over Fake Story On ‘Automated Call Centers’
- Veterans Affairs Secretary Collins Nukes CNN AGAIN After Another Hit Job
