Veterans Secretary Doug Collins said his agency is trying to cut 80,000 jobs as a “target” to slim down the agency's workforce.
Collins Participation Fox & Friends was pressed on Monday about a reported plan to make massive cuts to VA staff, particularly as concerns have risen about the impact of massive layoffs.
“So the 80,000 numbers that came out, are those numbers already done? Have you already decided who to let go?” asked Fox's Brian Kilmeade.
“No, that's the goal put forward… [as] With President Trump [the Office of Personnel Management] Collins replied. “And that's the goal, and that's the target.”
Last month, Trump signed an executive order instructing all federal agencies to prepare for power cuts that meant “large” layoffs.
Veterans issues have workers all over the country. That means that reductions could be implemented in hospitals and clinics from coast to coast. Collins wrote last week that the VA on the hill is working to cut the workforce to the level seen in 2019.
Specifically, he explained his goal of reducing 398,000 employees from the current approximately 470,000 employees, a decrease of almost 15%. We achieve this without reducing healthcare and benefits for veterans and VA beneficiaries.”
In an interview with Fox News, Collins said, “It's a time-consuming deliberation process and involves career VA employees.”
“We're going to include senior executives. If necessary, bring people in as needed, and are we efficient?” Collins said.
The secretary said he made changes in the VA to “actually help our veterans,” and was ready to make it.
Kilmeade questioned whether Collins plans to slim down and use Elon Musk's Government Efficiency (DOGE). Doge has spent weeks raising federal funding by providing employees with purchasing plans and program cuts at various agencies.
Collins said VA employees are dealing with Doge liaison, particularly looking at department contracts and organizational structure.
“I think it's really interesting to see an organization that is growing rapidly, but still has issues and has problems caring for veterans,” he said.
