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Veterans Group Attacks Trump Cuts in Memorial Day Message
Veterans group attacks Trump cuts in Memorial Day message
"Gutting VA will result in delayed appointments and substandard care, leading directly to more veteran deaths," a statement from VoteVets reads.
www.newsweek.com
A veterans group has taken aim at President Donald Trump's cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in a Memorial Day message posted online.
Why It Matters
Like other departments, the VA has not been immune to staffing cuts ordered by the Trump administration as part of a broad effort to reduce the size and cost of the federal government.What To Know
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, progressive political action committee VoteVets criticized the Trump administration for the cutbacks, as well as the president's senior advisor and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) frontman Elon Musk."Gutting VA will result in delayed appointments and substandard care, leading directly to more veteran deaths. In fact, as reports and internal documents now prove, Elon Musk's wrecking ball is causing systems to fail, putting veterans at risk," Kayla Williams, Iraq Veteran and senior policy advisor at VoteVets, said. "It's a slap in the face to all who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation."
The VA plans to reduce its workforce by more than 17 percent, about 82,000 staffers, and numerous contracts held by the agency have been cut. Earlier this month, Federal News Network reported that over 14,000 VA employees in health-care positions applied to leave their jobs through separation incentives offered by the federal government.
In an effort to reduce waiting times for VA health care services, the department announced last week that veterans will no longer need a second VA physician to review and approve their eligibility to receive non-VA administered health care.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on May 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. Andrew Harnik/GETTY
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump in a proclamation on Memorial Day, issued by the White House on May 24: "America's Gold Star Families—whose sons, daughters, wives, and husbands are among the honored—endure unfathomable heartache. Their loved ones selflessly gave everything to protect our sovereignty. They have our unwavering support, deepest gratitude, and highest respect. The lives lost in war serve as a solemn reminder of why we must pursue peace through strength."
VA Secretary Doug Collins in a statement regarding Memorial Day: "This Memorial Day and throughout the year, we at the Department of Veterans Affairs honor and remember the brave heroes who gave their lives in defense of our nation. I encourage Americans to join us at VA cemeteries around the country this weekend to reflect on the tremendous debt we owe these fallen warriors. Their sacrifices have helped make America the greatest place on Earth, and their legacies of courage and commitment inspire us to reach new heights."
Everett Kelley, the national president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), said in a statement shared with Newsweek in March regarding VA staffing cuts: "The VA has been severely understaffed for many years, resulting in longer wait times for veterans in need. The DOGE plunder of career VA employees, adding to the illegal mass firings of thousands of probationary employees, can only make matters worse. Veterans and their families will suffer unnecessarily, and the will of Congress will be ignored."