A 'Game of Thrones'-Level Shakeup for Veterans Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to slash its workforce by a jaw-dropping 80,000 jobs, according to internal reports. The move aims to roll staffing levels back to 2019 numbers—pre-pandemic levels—sparking concerns about the impact on veterans' healthcare and benefits.
In a memo leaked Tuesday, VA Chief of Staff Christopher Syrek directed senior officials to trim the agency's headcount from roughly 482,000 to under 400,000. With healthcare workers making up a large chunk of VA staff, critics worry the cuts could strain an already overburdened system.
Syrek called it a “strategic reset,” but advocates warn: “Veterans deserve better support, not bureaucratic belt-tightening.”
The VA hasn't clarified which roles will be affected or how soon the cuts will happen. Analysts speculate remote workers and administrative positions might be first—but with congressional approval needed, this battle is just heating up.
A 'Game of Thrones'-Level Shakeup for Veterans Affairs
