Mar 09 2025 3 mins
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins has been at the forefront of significant changes and controversies within the Department of Veterans Affairs in recent days. One of the most striking announcements came from Collins himself, where he stated that the federal government does not exist to employ people, but to serve them. This message was part of a broader context in which Collins revealed plans to lay off more than 70,000 employees, including many veterans, as part of a larger restructuring effort.
The layoffs are a response to what Collins describes as the VA's biggest problem: bureaucracy and inefficiencies that hinder customer convenience and service to veterans. This move follows a period of rapid hiring under the Biden administration, particularly after the 2022 PACT Act expanded VA benefits to millions more veterans affected by toxin exposure during their service. The VA San Diego Medical Center, for example, saw significant growth, adding about 400 new jobs since 2022 to accommodate the increased demand[1].
The workforce reductions are part of a department-wide review and reorganization plan, which will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity that has been linked to Elon Musk despite official denials of his direct involvement. The plan aims to reduce the VA's workforce to levels seen in 2019, before the PACT Act, which would result in the layoff of up to 83,000 employees. This move has been met with strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers and veteran service organizations, who argue that such cuts would cripple the system and deny veterans access to essential health care, claims processing, and education benefits[5].
In addition to the layoffs, Collins has also been instrumental in other significant changes. He has announced a shift back to in-person work for VA employees, following President Trump’s presidential memorandum to phase out telework and resume office-based operations. This transition is intended to enhance collaboration and efficiency in delivering services to veterans, with all VA personnel expected to be working on-site by July 2025[2].
During his first 30 days in the Trump administration, Collins highlighted several key accomplishments, including the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the reallocation of $14 million towards veterans’ health care and caregiver programs. The VA has also revised its flag policy to exclusively fly the American flag and the POW/MIA flag at its facilities. Efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse are also underway, with employees assigned to scrutinize contracts to ensure efficient use of funds[3].
The changes under Collins' leadership have not been without criticism. Many veterans and VA staff are expressing concerns about access to resources and the impact of the layoffs on patient care. VA employees are feeling anxious and betrayed by the specter of job losses, and patients are worried about the continuity of their care. The lack of clear communication from leadership has added to the uncertainty and dissatisfaction among both staff and the veterans they serve[1].
Overall, Secretary Collins' tenure has been marked by significant and contentious changes aimed at restructuring the VA to better serve veterans, but these moves have sparked widespread concern and resistance from various stakeholders.
The layoffs are a response to what Collins describes as the VA's biggest problem: bureaucracy and inefficiencies that hinder customer convenience and service to veterans. This move follows a period of rapid hiring under the Biden administration, particularly after the 2022 PACT Act expanded VA benefits to millions more veterans affected by toxin exposure during their service. The VA San Diego Medical Center, for example, saw significant growth, adding about 400 new jobs since 2022 to accommodate the increased demand[1].
The workforce reductions are part of a department-wide review and reorganization plan, which will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity that has been linked to Elon Musk despite official denials of his direct involvement. The plan aims to reduce the VA's workforce to levels seen in 2019, before the PACT Act, which would result in the layoff of up to 83,000 employees. This move has been met with strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers and veteran service organizations, who argue that such cuts would cripple the system and deny veterans access to essential health care, claims processing, and education benefits[5].
In addition to the layoffs, Collins has also been instrumental in other significant changes. He has announced a shift back to in-person work for VA employees, following President Trump’s presidential memorandum to phase out telework and resume office-based operations. This transition is intended to enhance collaboration and efficiency in delivering services to veterans, with all VA personnel expected to be working on-site by July 2025[2].
During his first 30 days in the Trump administration, Collins highlighted several key accomplishments, including the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the reallocation of $14 million towards veterans’ health care and caregiver programs. The VA has also revised its flag policy to exclusively fly the American flag and the POW/MIA flag at its facilities. Efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse are also underway, with employees assigned to scrutinize contracts to ensure efficient use of funds[3].
The changes under Collins' leadership have not been without criticism. Many veterans and VA staff are expressing concerns about access to resources and the impact of the layoffs on patient care. VA employees are feeling anxious and betrayed by the specter of job losses, and patients are worried about the continuity of their care. The lack of clear communication from leadership has added to the uncertainty and dissatisfaction among both staff and the veterans they serve[1].
Overall, Secretary Collins' tenure has been marked by significant and contentious changes aimed at restructuring the VA to better serve veterans, but these moves have sparked widespread concern and resistance from various stakeholders.