Trump pledges full settlement of Camp Lejeune claims if GOP controls Congress

During a campaign event in Greenville, N.C., Donald Trump highlighted a $1 billion cash settlement already delivered to veterans and relatives impacted by the Camp Lejeune water-contamination scandal. He noted that the administration has also provided $3.3 billion to the Department of Veterans Affairs in less than two years. Trump pledged that, should Republicans capture both the House and Senate, he will direct the Department of Justice to finalize all remaining legitimate claims through its Elective Option program, which offers payments ranging from $100,000 to $550,000.

He cautioned that without GOP control, additional compensation might not be forthcoming and emphasized that funds should reach families, not attorneys. The settlement applies to veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987 and have been diagnosed with certain cancers or Parkinson’s disease. Trump concluded by affirming his commitment to never abandon the nation’s veterans.