In Washington, D.C., the Department of Veterans Affairs is planning a significant reorganization effort that involves the dismissal of more than 80,000 employees. This move is part of President Donald Trump’s directive to reduce the size of the federal government. According to an internal memo obtained by Military.com, VA Chief of Staff Christopher Syrek outlined the department’s goal to scale back its workforce to 399,957 employees, similar to staffing levels in 2019, resulting in approximately 83,000 job cuts.
The planned layoffs are a reversal of the hiring spree initiated by the Biden administration following the passage of the wide-ranging PACT Act in 2022. This law expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service, prompting the VA to increase its workforce to accommodate the influx of patients and benefits claims.
Under the guidance of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, the VA aims to eliminate waste, reduce management and bureaucracy, and streamline operations to enhance workforce efficiency. The department intends to complete an internal review by May 9 and publish its reorganization plan in June, with layoffs slated to begin in August.
The reduction in force, as outlined in Syrek’s memo, is mandated by Trump’s executive order requiring agencies to collaborate with the Department of Government Efficiency. This directive is part of the administration’s efforts to trim the federal government’s size, including implementing a hiring freeze and mass firings. The VA has already dismissed probationary workers and canceled numerous contracts perceived as wasteful.
While the VA assures that veterans services will not be compromised by the planned layoffs, concerns have been raised by veterans advocates and lawmakers. Critics fear that the job cuts may hinder the VA’s ability to meet the increased demand for services, potentially jeopardizing veterans’ access to essential care. The planned reduction in force has drawn backlash from Democrats, who accuse the administration of undermining the PACT Act and endangering veterans’ well-being.
As discussions about the layoffs continue, lawmakers are seeking clarity on the potential implications of the workforce reduction. House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost expressed concerns about the impact of these reductions on service delivery, especially in the wake of implementing the PACT Act. The VA’s reorganization efforts have sparked debates about the balance between budget cuts and maintaining quality care for veterans affected by toxic exposures.
