President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Doug Collins will lead the Veterans Affairs Department in his new administration. Here are five important things to know about the former Republican congressman from Georgia:
1. Military and Religious Background
Collins, 58, is a Baptist minister who has served in the Navy and Air Force Reserve. He holds a master’s degree in divinity and has pastored a church for 11 years. Collins deployed to Iraq in 2008 and remains a colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
2. Political Career
Collins represented one of Georgia's most conservative regions in the state House before winning a seat in Congress in 2012. Despite facing primary challenges, he rose to vice chair of the House Republican Conference.
3. National Recognition
Collins gained national attention for defending Trump during the Mueller probe. He wrote a book about Trump's first impeachment and argued that Democrats were seeking revenge for the 2016 election.
4. Senate Appointment Controversy
Trump wanted Collins appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2019, but Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp chose Kelly Loeffler instead. Collins ran for Senate in 2020 but finished third in a special election.
5. Future Political Prospects
Collins has a possible political future in Georgia, having represented Trump in challenging the 2020 election results. If appointed as Veterans Affairs secretary, he may not run for office in 2026.
