Chapter 1: Corrupt Practices Revealed

A recent press release from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform has unveiled an alarming investigation into unethical practices by several associates of the Trump Administration, aimed at exploiting vulnerable veterans. This group, known as the “Mar-a-Lago Trio,” comprises billionaire Marvel Entertainment Chairman Ike Perlmutter, attorney Marc Sherman, and physician Bruce Moskowitz, as reported by CNBC News. Notably, both Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump were allegedly aware of their attempts to profit from changes in Veterans Administration (VA) policies.

The intention of the “Mar-a-Lago Trio” was to monetize VA health records through lucrative partnerships with major corporations like Johnson & Johnson, Apple, and CVS, while ignoring the legal requirements set forth by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The committee’s statement highlights:

“‘Our joint investigation revealed that Ike Perlmutter, Marc Sherman, and Dr. Bruce Moskowitz, leveraging their ties to President Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago club, breached the law and sought to exert undue influence over government officials for their own financial gain,’ stated the Chairs.”

Section 1.1: Legal Violations and FACA

FACA outlines the operational standards for advisory committees, yet when Reed Cordish, a former senior aide to President Trump, suggested the formation of a FACA group, Perlmutter dismissed its relevance, asserting:

“Thanks for your email and especially the thoughts on FACA. The good news is that we have been advised that FACA does not apply because we are not a formal group in any way.”

The Oversight Committee has made public a series of emails revealing that the trio was informed multiple times that their activities constituted an advisory committee, thereby subject to FACA’s transparency and balance stipulations.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Overdose Crisis and Veteran Welfare

The VA health system was among the first to implement strict anti-medication management policies for pain treatment. Advocates have repeatedly voiced their concerns to the Trump administration regarding these policies, which have proliferated due to state and federal initiatives aimed at addressing the so-called “opioid crisis.” The Oversight Committee's email trove suggests that the Trump White House was aware of the alarming rates of veteran suicides, likely exacerbated by stringent VA policies.

In an email correspondence, Perlmutter expressed frustration at being sidelined during discussions with the DEA and DOJ, emphasizing the potential for significant repercussions on an Executive Order regarding veterans’ health initiatives. The emails reveal that the trio engaged with major companies like Johnson & Johnson, Apple, and CVS Health, with the intent to create a platform for veterans’ medical records and develop initiatives to combat veteran suicides.

Feds announce fraud, corruption charges at Veterans Affairs hospitals in West Palm Beach, Miami - YouTube

The report details how the trio worked alongside Secretary Shulkin to explore monetization of VA patient data, with one email indicating that such data could generate “hundreds of millions in revenue.”

Section 1.2: The Continuing Crisis and Policy Failures

Despite drastic reductions in opioid prescriptions, the U.S. saw a record number of overdose deaths in 2020, a trend that is expected to continue. The misconception that patients on pain medication are driving the overdose crisis has led to policies that further restrict access to pain management. Recent studies reveal that a minimal percentage of overdose victims had active prescriptions at the time of their deaths, underscoring the disconnect between policy and reality.

The current approach unfairly targets patients while ignoring the true source of the crisis: the illicit drug market, particularly the prevalence of illegally manufactured fentanyl.

Chapter 2: Calls for Accountability and Transparency

$4.27 million awarded to veterans misdiagnosed by former VA doctor - YouTube

As the investigation unfolds, there is an increasing need for greater transparency in advisory committees. The Oversight Committee emphasizes the importance of passing the Federal Advisory Committee Transparency Act to ensure public awareness of who advises federal policymakers and to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

The troubling findings from this investigation highlight the necessity for ethical practices within federal health agencies. The call for more transparency is a crucial step toward accountability in addressing the needs of veterans and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

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References: [1] VA Opioid Prescribing Rates Report [2] AMA Opioid Task Force Progress Report [3] AMA 2021 Overdose Epidemic Report

D. S. Nelson is a Human Rights and Disability Advocate, and the Founder of the National Advocacy Awareness Clinic (NAAC). Follow her on Twitter for more insights. © D. S. Nelson & National Advocacy Awareness Clinic 2016–2021 All rights reserved. This content does not constitute medical or legal advice.