President Donald Trump pledged Tuesday to take care of veterans sickened by decades of water contamination at Camp Lejeune, but tied the promise to Republicans winning the midterms.
Speaking at a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Trump said his administration has paid out $1 billion to veterans who were made ill by toxic water at the Marine base.
As many as a million military members, their families and civilian staffers who served at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 are believed to have been exposed to the contaminated water. Many have died while waiting for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which became law in August 2022.
Trump touted his administration’s payments to the affected veterans before turning to the stakes of the 2026 midterm elections.
“We’re also fighting for our great veterans and taking care of those veterans who brought claims related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune. It’s been a big subject actually,” Trump told the crowd.
The president then made his announcement.
“So tonight I’m pleased to announce that my administration has delivered $1 billion in cash settlements to these veterans and their families. Most of whom are based here,” he said.
Trump went on to cite additional funding for veterans and laid out his plan for resolving the outstanding cases.
“In addition to $3.3 billion we’ve provided for the VA in less than two years, and if we win the House and the Senate, I am directing the Department of Justice to settle all remaining legitimate claims as soon as possible and get it off the books and get it finished,” he said.
The president acknowledged the long wait many veterans and families have endured.
“This has gone on for years,” Trump said.
He also made clear he wants the money to reach the people affected rather than attorneys handling the cases.
“And we will go, all of these will go directly to the veterans and their families and we won’t, we don’t want to give any to the trial lawyers,” Trump said. “We’ve given a lot of money to — no trial lawyers if you don’t mind.”
“I want, we want it to go to the families not to the lawyers, if you don’t mind. Let it go to the families,” he continued.
Trump then turned to Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., for his take.
“Ted, you agree with that? [Sen.] Ted Budd (R-NC) says yes that means it’s good with me,” the president said.
Trump then spelled out what he said was at stake for veterans awaiting payment in the upcoming election.
“So if we don’t win, there’s no money. If we do win, you’re getting it, and it’s going to be finally over with, that nightmare that’s been going on for so many years,” he said.
The president closed the topic by reaffirming his commitment to those who served.
“We will never abandon the heroes who served America, and that’s what that’s all about. And we achieved more in two years than any other presidency in the history of our country,” Trump said.
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