This Memorial Day, while Americans across the country laid flowers and remembered fallen heroes, one veterans group had a very different message for President Donald Trump, and it wasn’t a thank-you.
The group VoteVets took to social media with a sharp warning about significant staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These cuts, they say, are happening under Trump’s orders—with help from his close advisor Elon Musk, who now leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to VoteVets, these moves aren’t just about money—they’re putting veterans’ lives in danger.
“Gutting VA will result in delayed appointments and substandard care, leading directly to more veteran deaths,” said Kayla Williams, a veteran of the Iraq War and senior policy advisor at VoteVets. “It’s a slap in the face to all who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation.”
This #MemorialDay, recognize that cuts to the VA mean delayed care and more deaths, which is a slap in the face to those who served. pic.twitter.com/ud2yG1IUze
— VoteVets (@votevets) May 25, 2025
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The VA is planning to remove over 82,000 workers—about 17% of the entire VA staff—which is a huge number. In addition, many contracts with service providers are being canceled. This will likely make it harder for veterans to get care, especially those who already have to wait weeks or even months to see a doctor.
According to Federal News Network, more than 14,000 VA employees have already applied to leave their jobs. Most of them work in health care, which means the very people who care for our veterans are walking out the door. The federal government has been offering “separation incentives” to encourage early exits, severely losing vital medical staff.
On Memorial Day, Trump gave a speech expressing his respect for “America’s Gold Star Families”—those who have lost loved ones in war. He said, “They have our unwavering support, deepest gratitude, and highest respect.”
But his actions at the VA tell a very different story.
Many believe Trump is shrinking the government to save money—but this is coming at the cost of veterans’ health and lives. Elon Musk, who leads the DOGE program focused on cutting government spending, is also being blamed for pushing dangerous changes too fast.
“Elon Musk’s wrecking ball is causing systems to fail, putting veterans at risk,” Williams added.
In response to growing concern, the VA recently announced that veterans will be able to see outside doctors more easily. They no longer need a second VA doctor to approve their case. It sounds like a step forward, but critics warn it could backfire.
Naveed A. Shah, a political director at Common Defense, warned that the new policy could worsen things in the long run. “Increased reliance on community care would divert resources from the Veterans healthcare agency,” he said.
This isn’t just about money. It’s about values. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) represents VA workers and has been very clear about the danger.
“The VA has been severely understaffed for many years,” said Everett Kelley, the national president of AFGE. “The DOGE plunder of career VA employees… can only make matters worse. Veterans and their families will suffer unnecessarily.”
When you slash funding, push out healthcare workers, and cancel critical care services, no speech or patriotic slogan can make up for the damage.
Veterans need more than kind words. They need support, and their government needs to show up for them.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
