Veterans Affairs to Cut 80,000 Jobs in Major Workforce Reduction

The Trump administration's plan to downsize the VA workforce raises concerns about veteran care and job losses for former service members.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins confirmed plans to reduce the department's workforce by nearly 17%, aiming to return staffing levels to 2019 numbers.
The cuts, set to begin in June, will affect approximately 80,000 positions, with veterans making up about 25% of the VA workforce and likely to face significant job losses.
The Trump administration and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency are driving the reductions as part of broader efforts to streamline federal agencies.
Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation to rehire fired veterans and are demanding transparency on how the layoffs will impact VA services and benefits.
Critics, including veterans' groups and some lawmakers, warn that the cuts could worsen wait times for care, disrupt suicide prevention efforts, and undermine the VA's ability to serve millions of veterans.