SUMMARY

The full extent of President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs is not entirely clear, but he's likely to reverse some of the Biden administration's policies while reinstating others from his first term.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. How did the Trump administration try to address medical care for veterans during his first term?
2. Why do critics disagree with privatizing healthcare for veterans?
3. Who is arguing that less money should go to veterans with disabilities?
4. What are some of the Biden administration's policies that Trump is likely to reverse?
5. How might the Trump administration address veteran mental health?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

1. What do you think the federal government could do to better support veteran mental health? Why do you think veteran mental health is an important issue?

Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to better understand crises faced by U.S. veterans today?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do: If there is time in class (or on your own), watch the following video that covers likely policy changes with Trump's return to the White House. After viewing, discuss: What do you think will be the most significant change in the U.S. in the next four years?

(Teachers: You can find a full lesson plan on Veterans Day here.)

Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources.