A leaked memorandum from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has brought to light an extraordinary request for the deployment of medical personnel to support the upcoming presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025. The document, shared by a VA insider with the O’Keefe Media Group, outlines a formal appeal for paramedics, emergency nurses, and doctors to be deployed during the event, sparking questions about the scale and nature of the preparations.
Unprecedented Request Raises Eyebrows
The memo, addressed to Dr. Paul D. Kim of the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Office of Emergency Management, reveals that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated the request for additional medical support. The insider who leaked the memo expressed deep concern over its implications, stating, “This is not normal.” According to the whistleblower, no such request has been documented for previous presidential inaugurations, making this deployment both unusual and concerning.
“This level of medical mobilization from the VA is without precedent for a presidential inauguration,” the insider continued. “It raises questions about why such extensive medical resources are deemed necessary for this event.”
VA and HHS Provide Limited Transparency
When pressed for clarification, Derrick Jaastad, the Executive Director for the VHA Office of Emergency Management, admitted that he could not confirm whether similar requests had been made in the past, citing his limited tenure during previous inaugurations. Public Affairs Specialist Kurt M. Rauschenberg also declined to provide specifics, stating, “I personally can’t speak to previous inaugurations.”
The O’Keefe Media Group has since filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking more information from HHS about the rationale behind this deployment. As of this writing, neither HHS nor the VA has issued a public statement or provided further details on the request.
Scope of the Deployment
The memorandum details a request for specialized medical personnel, including paramedics, emergency nurses, and physicians, to be stationed at various locations during the inauguration. While inaugurations typically involve significant logistical and security planning, the scale of this medical mobilization has prompted speculation among VA employees and public observers.
“It’s not just the scale that’s unusual—it’s the source of the request,” the VA insider emphasized. “The involvement of HHS adds a layer of complexity that we’ve never seen before.”
Potential Implications
The revelation of this request has sparked widespread speculation about its underlying reasons. Some suggest that heightened political tensions, large expected crowds, or security concerns may have influenced the decision. Others question whether the deployment reflects broader concerns about potential incidents during the event.
Security experts note that while medical personnel are a standard part of inauguration logistics, the extent of this request may suggest an anticipation of larger-than-normal crowds or other risks. “Inaugurations are high-profile events that attract attention from all corners,” said Dr. Elizabeth Harper, a security consultant. “The deployment of additional medical resources could indicate a proactive approach to handling potential emergencies.”
Concerns Within the VA
The leaked memo has also raised concerns within the VA itself. Employees have voiced frustration over the potential diversion of medical resources away from veterans in need. “We’re already stretched thin trying to meet the demands of our veterans,” said a VA nurse who wished to remain anonymous. “Sending personnel to the inauguration could impact the care we provide.”
The insider who leaked the memo echoed these sentiments, questioning the prioritization of resources. “Our focus should be on serving veterans, not reallocating staff for political events,” they said.
Public Reaction
The leaked memo has triggered a wave of reactions across social media and in political circles. Supporters of the current administration have defended the move as a precautionary measure to ensure safety at a high-stakes event. Critics, however, have labeled the request as excessive and indicative of broader inefficiencies within government agencies.
Advocates for transparency are now calling on HHS and the VA to explain the necessity of the deployment. “The public has a right to know why these resources are being allocated,” said Jennifer Daniels, a government accountability advocate. “Without transparency, it’s impossible to assess whether this decision is justified.”
What Comes Next?
As the inauguration date approaches, the leaked memo has added another layer of complexity to what is already a highly scrutinized event. Both HHS and the VA are under pressure to provide clarity about the deployment and its implications.
The O’Keefe Media Group continues to investigate the matter, with their FOIA request pending. In the meantime, VA employees, veterans, and the general public await further information to understand the rationale behind this unprecedented mobilization of medical personnel.
For now, the leaked memo serves as a reminder of the challenges and intricacies involved in coordinating national events of this magnitude. Whether the move reflects heightened caution, a response to specific threats, or other factors, the lack of transparency has only fueled speculation and concern. As more details emerge, this story is likely to remain a focal point in the lead-up to the 2025 presidential inauguration.
LEAKED: Veterans Affairs Insider Reveals HHS Memo Detailing Unprecedented “Presidential Inauguration [Medical Personnel] Support Deployment Request”
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) January 8, 2025
"What concerned me was that this has never been requested before, especially not from HHS," an insider within the Department of… pic.twitter.com/5blgwnkMMj
