Will Trump Try to Shaft a Million Veterans Out of Billions in Educational Benefits?: Report
Post-9/11 veterans faced a difficult choice between the older Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 32) and the newer Post-9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33), which required forfeiting the first year of Chapter 32 benefits. This policy denied veterans thousands of dollars in educational support, despite military promises of free education. Army veteran James Rudisill challenged this injustice in a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court, which ruled the VA’s forfeiture policy unlawful, mandating billions in repayments to eligible veterans, writes RollingStone.com.
However, this victory remains bittersweet for veterans burdened by student debt due to the forfeited benefits. The Trump administration fought the case in court while pursuing budget cuts to veterans’ services. Critics question whether Trump, whose government-slashing agenda has long targeted the VA, will comply with the Supreme Court’s mandate.
The ruling underscores ongoing challenges for veterans in securing promised benefits. Michael Embrich, a veteran and policy expert, argues that the fight for justice and adequate care continues, and calls for public and congressional accountability to ensure veterans receive what they were promised.