WASHINGTON – A group of veterans said they cancelled Trump administration’s job cuts and contracts with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday, and saw the disruption from the proposed downsizing, where a large agency that manages benefits and healthcare programs for millions of veterinarians and their families would see the disruption.

As part of President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk’s agenda, the administration is focusing on cutting 83,000 employees in the agency’s workforce to reduce civil servants and cut down on government contractors.

The VA has already cut around 2,400 positions and has begun cancelling 585 contracts this year. According to agency numbers.

Future Zhou, a medically retired veteran, said in a virtual report. Briefing On Tuesday, she was among several workers who were suddenly fired from the hospital supply and logistics team at VA Puget Sound in Washington last month, but she is worried about the “stress and destruction caused by these indiscriminate shootings.”

Zhou told reporters that in July 2024 he was hired to work to manage medical supplies, including daily surgeries, and remove recalled devices and medications.

The veteran, who is also in care at the hospital, said her firing “deeply erodes” her confidence in the VA.

“When I received the email on Monday, February 24th at 1:56pm, I was shocked and extremely disappointed. I notified of an immediate removal from my position. I had no chance to receive a formal evaluation of my performance and left the task of notifying my supervisor, my section chief, and my (HR department),” Zhou said.

Zhou said her former colleague told her he was a week behind “a critical supply request for drugs and equipment at our hospital.”

Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, described the issue as “really personal to me” as the daughter of a World War II Purple Heart recipient who later received VA Healthcare for multiple sclerosis.

“And when I saw Musk and Trump fire VA workers left and right, when I heard they were now going to fire over 80,000 VA workers, you’re sure I’m not going to be quiet about this,” Murray said.

“The government doesn’t exist to hire people.”

VA Secretary Doug Collins I said Fox News Monday, cutting around 80,000 jobs was a “goal” for the administration.

In the video Posted Social Media On March 5, Collins said the administration’s goal of cutting 15% of the VA’s workforce will be made without reducing benefits and healthcare to veterans and other beneficiaries.

“We regret those who have lost their jobs. It’s very difficult for me to make these types of decisions, especially as VA leaders and your secretaries, but the federal government doesn’t exist to hire people. It exists to serve people.” Collins previously served as Air Force pastor and served as Georgia’s Baptist Minister for 11 years.

Collins said the agency is aiming to return to employment level 398,000 in 2019 from its current position of around 470,000.

Following the enactment of the 2022 agreement law, employment has increased under former President Joe Biden. Expansion VA Healthcare for millions of veterans exposed to toxic environments while serving.

According to the Biden administration, VA process More than 2 million claims accounted for $137 billion in benefits, going three-quarters of 2024, setting a “highest record of all time.” Biden administration figures show that almost 33% of claims can be traced back to the expansion of the PACT Act.

I’m afraid of the confusion that will benefit

Murray is not the only Democrat to express his anger over the planned cuts. The Senate Budget Committee vice-chairman joined his colleague on March 6th. letter Request more information about decision-making in the VA.

A letter led by top Democrats on the House Committee on Senators and Veterans Affairs said, “The reduction in turnaround handling could be directly attributed to workforce growth. Returning to pre-contract levels is contrary to Congress’ intentions.”

According to a letter led by Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Mark Takano of California, “it goes against the logic and reason that agencies can cut an additional 83,000 employees, with more than 2,400 people already closed without interruption in healthcare and benefits.

In a statement Tuesday, White House spokesman Anna Kelly told the state newsroom:

Last updated at 2:50pm, March 11, 2025