On July 24, 2025, President Trump made a notable move to address the homelessness issue in the U.S. with the issuance of a Presidential Order titled “End of Crimes and Disabilities on the Streets of America.”
By implementing bans on public encampments and prioritizing federal funding for states and cities that focus on addiction treatment and mental health, Trump aims to demonstrate the kind of decisive leadership that California seems to be in need of right now.
In the meantime, Governor Gavin Newsom is on a “Progress Tour” claiming that he is working to solve the state’s homelessness crisis.
Those who have worked closely with the homeless, including veterans left to fend for themselves in areas like Skid Row and downtown San Diego, are skeptical of Newsom’s efforts. Many view it as a superficial public relations initiative that seeks to cast a positive light on his administration instead of addressing the real issues.
Newsom hasn’t effectively tackled the crisis—much like he did during a recent visit by China’s President Xi Jinping, when he appeared to cover up the issue instead of confronting it. So, while it may seem like he’s addressing the problem, many believe it’s merely for the sake of appearances, particularly in the face of international scrutiny.
Statistics reveal a stark reality: California accounts for about 28% of the country’s homeless population, with around 187,000 individuals living on the streets, and over two-thirds of them lacking suitable shelter. Veterans, who once served the nation, often find themselves abandoned and without support.
I’ve experienced the human cost firsthand. In Los Angeles, I spoke with an Army veteran sitting outside a facility meant to assist them. He was denied entry because of his past—often related to untreated mental health issues associated with his service.
One veteran expressed, “It feels like our service was meaningless. Like it never happened.”
In San Diego, I encountered a female Navy veteran who broke down in tears when I offered her a hug, saying, “I thought everyone had given up on me.” She wasn’t asking for much—just a moment of dignity.
Then there’s Mike Dolbou, a veteran who has been homeless for over a decade. He shared, “Politicians use veterans as tools for elections. They care only when the cameras are rolling, and then they vanish.”
Terms like “curb to condos” and “affordable housing” sound good in press releases, but they often fail to result in real change.
Since 2019, Newsom has allocated more than $24 billion to address the homelessness crisis, yet the problem lingers, including projects like one for veterans that is anticipated to cost over $1.4 billion for just 1,200 housing units. That breaks down to roughly $833,000 per unit, which hardly seems like progress. It feels more like a betrayal to those who have served.
In stark contrast, President Trump’s actions stand out. In May, he ordered the Veterans Administration to reclaim land for veterans in West Los Angeles. This move aimed to sidestep bureaucratic hurdles and provide housing more swiftly.
This executive order also gives local authorities the power to clear encampments and fund treatment programs, promoting real solutions instead of just making an impression.
As White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt put it, by addressing the problems directly and redirecting resources toward substance abuse treatments, the administration seeks to ensure that communities feel safer and that those in need receive necessary assistance.
California requires more than just a surface-level initiative from Newsom; it needs a robust strategy, akin to a military-style community infrastructure. A “Base Camp,” essentially, that offers a disciplined support environment for veterans.
This would mean providing not only shelter but also stability, with services such as food programs, mental health assistance, addiction recovery, VA benefits, and job training all rolled into one.
It’s not just a temporary fix. It’s a genuine solution.
Newsom’s “Progress Tour” feels more like a trial run for his next career move. Californians, especially veterans, are acutely aware of the years of neglect, empty promises, and lack of meaningful action.
Veterans don’t need more platitudes—they need concrete actions. Trump’s recent executive order could signal a step toward that, showcasing leadership focused on real outcomes rather than mere headlines.
Kate Monroe, a veteran of the US Marine Corps, is the CEO of Vetcomm and the founder of Border Vets.
