According to an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press, the Veterans Affairs Bureau is planning a “active” restructuring that cuts 80,000 jobs from the vast institutions providing healthcare to retired service members.
VA Chief of Staff Christopher Sillek told the agency's highest level officials that it aims to cut enough employees to return to staff levels below 400,000 to 2019 staffing levels.
After the VA expanded during the Biden administration, it will not only end tens of thousands of employees, but also cover veterans affected by Burnpit under the 2022 Agreement Act.
The memo directs top-level staff to prepare for an agency-wide reorganization in August, “adjusting the workforce to its mission and revised structure.”
It also calls for agency officials to “take a practical and disciplined approach while actively escaping” to cooperate with the White House government's efficiency to the goals of the Trump administration.
Veterans are already opposed to cutting in the VA, but so far it has included thousands of employees and hundreds of contracts. Over 25% of the VA's workforce is veterans.
In Congress, Democrats have denounced cuts in the VA and other institutions, but Republicans have been watching the changes in the Trump administration with caution.
Sen. Richard Blumental, a top Democrat on the Senate Committee, which oversees veteran issues, said in a statement that the Trump administration has “launched a full attack,” the VA did in expanding its services when the number of veterans covered increased and included those affected by toxic burn pits.
“Their plans balance the budgets of the background of those who served prioritize private sector interests over veteran care. It is a shameful betrayal, and veterans will pay the price for their unforgivable corruption, incompetence and immorality,” Blumenthal said in a statement.
Government officials first reported on internal memos.
