Doug Collins: Controversies and Biography (2025 Update)

Doug Collins, a former U.S. Representative from Georgia and the 12th U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs since February 5, 2025, has been embroiled in several controversies throughout his career. Below are the key incidents that have shaped his public image:

• Comments on Democrats and Terrorism (January 2020) – On January 8, 2020, Collins told Fox Business’ Lou Dobbs that Democrats were “in love with terrorists” and mourned Qasem Soleimani more than Gold Star families, post his U.S.-ordered killing. After backlash—including Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s retort as an Iraq vet—he apologized on January 10, saying, “I do not believe Democrats are in love with terrorists” (NYT, January 11, 2020).
• Defense of Trump’s Statements (July 2019) – Collins defended Trump’s “go back” tweets targeting four Democratic congresswomen of color, deemed racist by critics (e.g., Rep. Ilhan Omar). On Fox News, he called them “disrespectful” to America, drawing ire from progressives who saw racial undertones, though he framed it as policy critique (Web ID: 10).
• Ethics Concerns (September 2020) – Collins campaigned with Rep. Matt Gaetz during his 2020 Senate run, notably on a “Trump Defender Tour.” Gaetz faced a DOJ probe (later dropped) over sex trafficking allegations; Collins faced no formal ethics charges but was criticized for the tie amid his own stock trade scrutiny in 2018, which cleared him (Web ID: 6).
• Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights – Collins opposed the 2019 Equality Act (voted nay), arguing it undermined religious freedom and women’s sports (Web ID: 4). He co-sponsored a 2015 bill against same-sex marriage and defended chaplain Wes Modder’s anti-gay remarks in 2015, cementing his anti-LGBTQ+ record per HRC (Web ID: 0).
• Election Disputes (December 2020) – Post-2020 election, Collins backed Trump’s fraud claims, joining the #StopTheSteal movement and signing a December 2020 amicus brief for Texas v. Pennsylvania (dismissed by SCOTUS). Georgia’s Brad Raffensperger called him a “liar” for baseless voter fraud audits (Web ID: 15).

Doug Collins – Biography

Basic Information

Full Name: Douglas Allen Collins
Born: August 16, 1966 (age 58) in Gainesville, Georgia
Political Party: Republican
Current Position: 12th U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (since February 5, 2025)
Past Roles: U.S. Representative, GA-9 (2013–2021), GA House, 27th District (2007–2013)
Education: North Georgia College (B.A., 1988), New Orleans Baptist Seminary (M.Div., 1996), John Marshall Law School (J.D., 2007)
Spouse: Lisa Collins
Children: 3

Early Life and Education

Born in Gainesville, Georgia, to a state trooper father, Collins graduated from North Hall High School. He earned a B.A. in political science and criminal law from North Georgia College (1988), an M.Div. from New Orleans Baptist Seminary (1996), and a J.D. from John Marshall Law School (2007).

Military and Professional Career

A Southern Baptist pastor for 11 years at Chicopee Baptist Church, Collins joined the Air Force Reserve as a chaplain in 2002, deploying to Iraq (2008–2009), and rose to colonel by 2023. He interned for Rep. Ed Jenkins, sold safety products, and ran a law practice post-2007.

Political Career

Elected to Georgia’s House (2007–2013), Collins won GA-9’s U.S. House seat in 2012, serving until 2021. A Trump ally, he led Judiciary Committee defenses during Trump’s 2019 impeachment. He lost a 2020 Senate bid to Kelly Loeffler. Nominated VA Secretary on November 14, 2024, he was confirmed 77-23 on February 4, 2025 (Web ID: 9).

Recent Developments (2025)

Sworn in February 5 by Justice Clarence Thomas, Collins axed VA DEI programs by February 21, reallocating $100M to care, per VA.gov (Web ID: 3). His March 5 pledge to fire 2,400 probationary staff via DOGE drew Democratic ire (Web ID: 4). X posts laud his vet focus (Post ID: 4) but decry delays (Post ID: 5).

Personal Life

Married to Lisa, a teacher, Collins has three children: Jordan, Copelan, and Cameron. A Trump loyalist, he chaired Georgia’s America First Policy Institute (2023–2024).