Trump pledges to settle Camp Lejeune water contamination claims

Donald Trump announced that he would direct the Department of Justice to settle all remaining legitimate claims related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, provided Republicans win control of the House and Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.

Speaking at a rally in Greenville, Trump stated that his administration has already delivered $1 billion in cash settlements to veterans and their families affected by the toxic water. He also noted that $3.3 billion has been provided for the Department of Veterans Affairs in less than two years. Trump emphasized that settlement funds should go directly to families rather than to trial lawyers.

The contamination involved two of the base's eight water supply systems between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Veterans who served at the base for at least 30 days during that period and have been diagnosed with certain cancers or Parkinson’s disease are eligible for compensation. As many as one million military members, families, and civilian staff are believed to have been exposed.