A recent wave of austerity measures under Trump has led to significant layoffs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, affecting over 6,000 positions and raising concerns among veterans’ organizations. The cuts have severely impacted mental health support, contributing to a rising suicide rate among veterans. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins announced further workforce reductions, claiming efficiency improvements, but many veterans feel abandoned amidst these changes, despite their crucial role in the electoral landscape.
Impact of Austerity Measures on Veterans
In the recent elections, a significant majority of former U.S. soldiers cast their votes in favor of Trump. However, his austerity policies have had a profound impact on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), leading to troubling outcomes.
Concerns Raised by Veterans’ Organizations
The atmosphere outside Senate room G50 in Washington is tense as members of the largest veterans’ organizations gather for a crucial hearing. In the elegantly designed, marble-paneled foyer, discussions revolve around the recent wave of layoffs at the VA, with over 6,000 positions eliminated in just a few weeks.
Bill LeBeau, the state director of the ‘Veterans of Foreign Wars’ in Massachusetts, expresses frustration over the indiscriminate nature of these layoffs. He states, “It seems like they are deciding to cut 1,000 positions in this office without a thorough examination of which roles are actually being affected.”
Meanwhile, tech billionaire Musk continues to pursue aggressive layoffs across various U.S. agencies.
Among the most alarming consequences of these layoffs is the rising suicide rate among veterans. In the New England region, the cuts have heavily impacted Veteran Centers, the crucial health facilities where veterans receive medications and psychotherapy. LeBeau highlights, “Half of the phone contacts have been laid off, leaving veterans without immediate support.” He adds, “Our veterans need mental health assistance, and when they reach out, finding no one to answer increases their risk.”
LeBeau emphasizes the urgent issue of veteran suicides, which occur at a rate one and a half times higher than that of the general population. Current statistics from the VA indicate that 17 veterans take their own lives every day. “Every day, we strive to protect our veterans from this tragic reality,” says LeBeau. “These layoffs only exacerbate the situation.”
In response to the backlash regarding the cuts, Trump has stated the importance of retaining the most effective employees.
Veterans, who represent a significant portion of government employees—30% overall and 25% within the VA—are feeling the direct impact of these layoffs. Adam Mulvey, a retired sergeant with two decades of service and multiple deployments, describes his experience: “My evaluations were always exemplary,” he shared with MSNBC. Despite receiving a performance bonus just a week before his termination, Mulvey was informed that his performance was deemed inadequate, leading to his dismissal.
The wave of layoffs, attributed to both Trump and Musk, has created turmoil in U.S. agencies over the past two weeks.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, indicated that the current layoffs are only the tip of the iceberg. He announced a plan to reduce the workforce by 15%, reverting to 2019 staffing levels. Initially, during Trump’s first term, the budget and personnel were increased to better serve veterans.
Collins has described the department as bloated and inefficient, assuring in a video address that the reduction of 70,000 positions will not compromise healthcare or other benefits for veterans.
With nearly 16 million veterans in America, they represent a vital voting demographic, with about 60% supporting Trump in the 2024 election. The president has reiterated his commitment to their well-being, yet many veterans are experiencing a starkly different reality at this moment.
This report was originally covered by BR24 on March 8, 2025, at 11:20 AM.