The Ministry of Old Warriors Affairs (VA) faces a severe disturbance after the dismissal of more than 1,000 employees, an initiative led by President Donald Trump and his first adviser, CEO of Tesla Elus Musk, as part of their strategy to reduce the federal workforce. Workers’ demobilization operations, which affected health care employees, test staff, and crisis intervention employees, have sparked widespread concern about their potential impact on the health care of old warriors, employment and mental health.
Despite government assurances that these cuts will improve efficiency and direct 77 million pounds (98 million dollars) annually towards veteran services, critics argue that the loss of major employees will exacerbate the deficiency of employees, delay biomership, and endangered life.
Establishing the employee sector
Senator Richard Blumenant Among the most vocal opponents in the demobilization of workers, warning that they were “endangering the health of the veterans” by cutting access to basic services, including the prevention of suicide, heart disease, X -ray breast photography, and benefits under the agreement of agreement. the Agreement LawWhich expanded for health care for old warriors exposed to dangerous materials such as burning and orange agent, was aimed at improving access, but with fewer employees, old warriors may struggle to obtain these benefits in time.
The workforce in the Ministry of Old Warriors Affairs was already suffering from a shortage of employees. The 2024 report revealed that only two out of 139 medical centers at VA were working sufficiently, as medical employees and nurses continued to decrease since 2014. Now, with additional hairstyles, the crisis is expected to worsen.
These discounts also affect 36 % of VA employees – more than 200,000 old warriors – who work in civil service, many of whom are disabled or sick sick. By reducing jobs in a system that is already struggling, Trump administration Not only exposed health care to ancient warriors, but also their financial stability.
Veteran unemployment is high
The reduction in federal jobs is a direct threat to old warriors, who make up 28 % of the federal workforce. Of 2.3 million federal employees, about 644,000 served in the army.
Unemployment between the veterans was already increasing before the demobilization of the workers. In 2023, 241,000 veterans were unemployed, with 60 % between the ages of 25 and 54-the main work group. By January 2025, Veteran unemployment rate It rose to 3.8 %, up from 2.8 % in December 2024 and 3.0 % in January 2024.
Besides financial concerns, unemployment between the veterans have serious psychological consequences. Studies have shown that job insecurity, along with a post -service shock, greatly increases mental health struggles, which makes it difficult for old warriors to reintegrate into civil life, as shown in Report of prevention of national suicide in the Ministry of Affairs of the Veterans Affairs.
Discounts to prevent suicide and mental health support
Perhaps the most anxious thing is the effect of these workers on suicide prevention services. Among those who were rejected was the employees working in the old warriors crises line, which is the hotline to prevent suicide for the old warriors. Two staff from the crisis line The fire was launched and returned later after the intervention by legislators, but the fact that these positions were targeted in the first place that raised serious concerns about the administration’s priorities.
according to VA statisticsOld warriors represent 13.5 % of all suicides, although only 7.9 % of the United States population is formed. The decision of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs to cut off roles within the intervention of crises and highly dangerous mental health services is concerned, as these services play an important role in preventing veteran suicide cases.
The healthcare worker at the Ministry of Affairs of Old Warriors, which helps old warriors in high risks, revealed that many test staff in their team were also expelled last week, only to restore this a few days later. They described the situation as “horrific”, noting that he had put unnecessary emotional pressure on the veterans and employees responsible for saving lives.
Officials deny the negative impact
Despite the escalating anxiety, the officials of the Ministry of the Veterans Affairs insist that these cuts will not disrupt services. A spokesman for the Ministry of the Old Warriors Affairs told USA Today:
“Veinistic care, benefits and beneficiaries of VA employees, which will allow us to redirect 77 million pounds (98 million dollars) annually towards health care, benefits and services for the beneficiaries of the Ministry of Old Warriors Affairs.”
The VA Doug Collins Secretary also tried to reassure the audience, saying:
I am here to tell you the truth. We do not cut health care. We do not cut benefits.
However, clinical employees were supposed to be exempt from discounts, but workers in administrative support roles who help health care providers, such as program analysts and administrative assistants, were also rejected. The removal of support staff may lead to longer waiting times, increase the work burden for the remaining employees, and disturbances for basic health care services.
VA employees leave because of the lack of job security
An increasing number of VA employees choose to leave before their demobilization. The Trump administration’s acquisition offer, as well as its request from the return of federal employees to personal work by February 6, has pushed many to resign.
According to VA employees, old warriors appreciate privacy and organized support, making crowded federal offices not suitable for their needs. Many feel that the policy of returning to the office (RTO) in the administration ignores these concerns, which inhibits both the old employees and warriors from engaging with the system.
“No one wants to work for VA if he is treated like this,” said Jake Banil, representative of the National Union of Federal employees, who represents more than 110,000 workers.
The increasing mental health crisis between the veterans
In addition to immediate service disorders, these reductions in the workforce increase the exacerbation of the mental health crisis between the veterans. With high unemployment, the volume of basic services is reduced, and employees are not sure of their future, many old warriors are left wondering if they have a system to rely on it.
If the federal government continues in this path, it is not only risked to reduce the quality of veteran care but also intensify emotional and psychological pressure on one of the country’s most vulnerable population in the country.
The question is no longer whether the veterans will get the care they need – this is whether the system itself will remain at all.