Freedom does not come free.
Our brave men and women in uniform risked everything to defend our great nation—their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment are why we enjoy our liberty today.
The Trump Administration has turned its back on our veterans, dismissing over 2,400 VA employees in two months with plans to lay off up to 83,000 more—gutting essential services our heroes have earned through blood and sacrifice. Veterans across America now face longer wait times for critical care, disrupted mental health services, and uncertain futures.
Our veterans answered America's call without hesitation—now it's our turn to answer theirs. Standing by those who stood for us isn't charity or wasteful spending; it's our solemn duty as Americans. They fulfilled their promise to defend our freedom. We must fulfill our promise to honor their service.
The Impact of Federal Job Cuts on Our Nation's Heroes
Trump is repaying American heroes’ service to our nation with pink slips.
Veterans make up 30% of the federal workforce. DOGE’s slashing cuts have already cost over 6,000 veterans their jobs. And the Trump Administration has signaled its plans to cut 15% of all Department of Veterans Affairs employees—totaling 83,000 workers.
When confronted about veterans losing their livelihoods, White House spokesperson Alina Habba callously suggested that veterans who lost their jobs are "not fit to have a job" and said, "I really don't feel sorry for them."
This goes beyond policy disagreements or even casual disregard—this is blatant disrespect for American heroes.
Follow for more news
The dismissal of over 2,400 VA employees in just two months—with plans potentially targeting up to 83,000 more—is creating immediate problems for veterans seeking care. Medical facilities across the country, including the Durham VA Healthcare System, Fayetteville VA Coastal Healthcare System, and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, are already operating with reduced staff.
For veterans, these cuts translate to extended wait times for appointments, slower processing of medical claims, and interrupted treatment plans for ongoing conditions.
Longer Wait Times for Essential Services
Impact on Mental Health Services
Post-9/11 veterans—many who deployed multiple times during two decades of conflict—face mental health challenges at higher rates than the general population. These veterans often require specialized treatment that addresses service-related trauma and reintegration challenges.
As staffing levels decrease at VA facilities, mental health services that were already stretched thin face further reduction. For veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, or thoughts of suicide, continuity of care can be crucial, and any disruption may have serious consequences for their wellbeing.
Degrading the Quality of Care We Provide Veterans
For nearly 100 years, the United States government has repaid those who serve by ensuring they have quality, free healthcare upon their return home. As a nation, it’s the least we can do as a small thank you for their service.
Many veterans choose the VA specifically for its specialized understanding of service-related health conditions. From toxic burn pit exposure to combat-induced PTSD, American veterans endure health challenges they would never have encountered had they not risked everything to defend our freedom.
The VA reached unprecedented service levels last year, caring for over 9 million enrollees and providing more than 127.5 million healthcare appointments—a testament to both the system's capabilities and the ongoing need for specialized veteran care.
Unfortunately, the VA may struggle to maintain this standard of care. Experts warn that the Trump administration’s staffing reductions will severely impact veterans' care, resulting in extended wait times and disruptions to essential services that our heroes depend on.
Impact on PACT Act Coverage for Burn Pit and Agent Orange Victims
President Biden signed the bipartisan PACT Act into law in August 2022, expanding health care to veterans exposed to toxins like burn pits and Agent Orange during their service.
Nearly 740,000 veterans enrolled in VA health care during the first two years of the PACT Act. That was a 33% increase over the previous two-year period. VA said last month that it had completed over 2 million PACT-related claims.
To support the increased demand—the VA hired more workers. But they are set to be chopped as DOGE plans to cut VA staffing to 2019 levels—putting quality of care at risk.
In states like Alaska and Kansas, where VA facilities serve veterans across vast geographic areas, staffing cuts have particularly significant effects. When rural clinics lose personnel, veterans may need to travel hundreds of miles to receive care—a substantial barrier for many with limited mobility or financial resources.
These reductions undermine progress in expanding healthcare access to veterans in underserved communities. For rural veterans who have relied on local VA services, staff cuts may effectively eliminate their access to specialized care altogether.
Challenges for Rural Veterans
White House Spokeswoman Says Some Veterans Are Not "Fit" to Have a Jobs
Veterans Across USA React to VA Job Cuts
Veterans Across USA React to VA Jobs Cuts
America Must Value Our Veterans
The Trump Administration’s willingness to slash personnel and budgets at the expense of our veterans is unacceptable.
We must ensure that the men and women who defended our freedom are not abandoned after their service. Our nation owes nothing less to those who have given so much.
America's strength lies in how we treat our heroes. Let us not forget those who never forgot their duty to us.
