VA Secretary Doug Collins

Here is a true story about how the fake news operates 🧵

1/

The @WSJ reached out to us Friday with a series of vague allegations they claimed they needed VA’s help “fact checking” to make sure we “didn't see any errors” in their reporting. 2/

Despite repeated requests, reporter @lindsayaellis, Deputy Coverage Chief @janetadamy and Washington Coverage Chief @damianpaletta refused to provide VA the basic information required to look into their allegations. 3/

For instance, @WSJ alleges that veterans are “waiting longer to get treatment in North Texas.” They provided zero evidence of this claim other than hearsay. When we asked WSJ to name the specific VA facility & the specific wait-time data they were referencing so we could look into it, WSJ could not provide the info. 
4/

Additionally, @WSJ alleges that “Fewer VA staff are handling veterans’ claims that will get them treatment for military-service injuries & mental health conditions.” Again, zero evidence of this claim other than hearsay, & when we asked WSJ for specifics, such as the job titles & locations affected by these alleged cuts, the WSJ could not provide it.
5/

Given the conduct of @lindsayaellis, @janetadamy and @damianpaletta, it seems clear the @WSJ is not interested in determining whether the info it prints is even true. This is the definition of fake news. Please hold your team to a higher standard, @emmatuckerWSJ!