Disabled American Veterans (DAV) File Federal Lawsuit Against Donald Trump After Proposal to Slash SSI and Veterans Benefits to Reallocate Funds to United States Department of Homeland Security Amid Shutdown

Disabled American Veterans File Lawsuit Against Trump Over Proposed SSI and Veterans Benefit Cuts

A major veterans advocacy group has filed a federal lawsuit against Donald Trump after the president proposed cutting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain veterans benefits in order to redirect funding to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amid a prolonged homeland security shutdown.

The lawsuit, brought by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), argues that the proposed reallocation of funds is both unlawful and harmful to millions of disabled veterans and low-income Americans who rely on SSI and related benefits. In its filing, the organization contends that Congress — not the executive branch — holds the constitutional authority over federal spending decisions.

The Funding Dispute

The legal challenge comes as DHS faces a funding crisis following a budget impasse in Congress. In response to the shortfall, the administration proposed reducing allocations for SSI and certain veterans programs and redirecting those funds to maintain homeland security operations.

Administration officials have described the proposal as a temporary measure designed to ensure border security and national safety remain fully operational. They argue that difficult fiscal choices are necessary during a shutdown scenario.

However, veterans advocates say the proposal places an unfair burden on service members who have already sacrificed for the country.

DAV’s Argument

In a statement accompanying the lawsuit, DAV leaders said cutting benefits for disabled veterans to resolve a funding standoff elsewhere in the federal government sets a “dangerous precedent.”

The group claims the proposal could:

Undermine financial stability for disabled veterans Violate statutory protections governing veterans benefits Bypass Congress’s exclusive power of the purse

Legal experts note that courts historically scrutinize executive attempts to redirect congressionally appropriated funds without legislative approval.

Political Fallout

The lawsuit adds to growing political tension surrounding the DHS shutdown and broader budget negotiations. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have weighed in, with some supporting stronger homeland security funding and others warning against reductions to social safety net programs.

The case is expected to move quickly through the federal court system given its constitutional implications and the immediate impact on benefit recipients. If the court grants an injunction, the administration could be temporarily blocked from implementing any proposed cuts while litigation continues.

What Happens Next

As the legal battle unfolds, millions of veterans and SSI recipients are watching closely. Advocacy groups say they are prepared to continue challenging any measures they believe threaten earned benefits.

For now, the lawsuit sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation between veterans’ advocates and the White House over federal spending authority, national security priorities, and protections for those who have served.