Department of Veterans Affairs (Photo: Tony Webster)

Editor’s note: VA Secretary Collins has since confirmed that the VA is cutting 72,000 jobs, not 80,000.

The VA is preparing to cut over 80,000 jobs as part of a restructuring effort, according to an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press. VA Chief of Staff Christopher Syrek informed officials within the department that it will return to its 2019 staffing levels following years of expansion under the Biden administration. In addition to workforce reductions, the VA also plans to cancel hundreds of contracts.

The VA will launch reorganization efforts in August, working with the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, “to resize and tailor the workforce,” as stated in the memo. This aligns with President Trump’s strategy to overhaul federal agencies, driven by DOGE under Elon Musk. The workforce reduction follows Trump’s executive orders directing agencies to reshape staffing and streamline operations.

Concerns Over Veteran Care

The VA employs about 482,000 people, including 459,000 full-time workers. The layoffs will reduce that number to 399,000, cutting nearly one in six jobs. Veterans make up over 25% of the workforce.

Concerns have emerged about how these cuts will affect services. Veteran advocacy groups argue layoffs and contract cancellations will harm care and benefits, particularly as more Veterans seek medical attention due to toxic burn pit exposure, which led to the 2022 PACT Act. Former VA Inspector General Michael Missal, who was recently dismissed, warned that the cuts could severely impact services. He has joined a legal challenge against his removal alongside other ousted inspectors general.

Political Fallout

Democratic lawmakers have condemned the reductions, arguing they threaten Veteran services. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, stated the administration is “prioritizing private sector profits over Veterans’ care.” House Democratic leaders vowed to fight what they call a betrayal of Veterans. Republicans have been more cautious, with some concerned about disruptions to Veteran care while others support the administration’s cost-cutting efforts.

Contract Cancellations 

The VA is also canceling 585 non-essential or duplicative contracts worth about $1.8 billion. After accounting for spent funds, about $900 million will be redirected to Veteran healthcare and benefits. The VA insists these cancellations will not affect services but will cut inefficiencies. Among the canceled contracts are administrative services the VA can handle in-house, such as staff mentoring, leadership coaching, and meeting agenda preparation. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated the agency is focused on becoming “more efficient, responsive, and accountable.”

Next Steps

The VA will hold an information session next week to discuss the reorganization and reduction-in-force, RIF, efforts. The final plan is due to the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget by April 14, with implementation beginning in the summer.

While the administration argues these changes will enhance efficiency, Veteran advocacy groups and lawmakers are preparing to push back. The coming months will determine how these cuts impact Veterans and VA operations.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.