Donald Trump’s newest executive order, called the “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Workforce Optimization Initiative,” is causing a lot of concern, especially for veterans who rely on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for support. This order could make it much harder for veterans to get the help they need, leaving many struggling. But why would Trump and someone like Elon Musk push for a policy that seems to hurt those who served the country?
The executive order puts strict limits on hiring within the federal government, including the VA. For every four employees who leave, only one can be replaced. This means fewer doctors, fewer staff to process benefits, and fewer support workers—right at a time when veterans need these services the most.
The VA is already under a lot of pressure. It’s dealing with an aging veteran population and increased responsibilities from policies under former President Biden. By cutting the workforce, Trump’s order is likely to lead to longer wait times, more delays, and even denials of healthcare, disability claims, and other critical services.
But this isn’t just about hiring fewer people. It’s about weakening the VA from the inside. The order requires immediate staff cuts, which will hurt programs that help veterans transition to civilian life, find jobs, and support their families. Even active-duty military members stationed overseas will feel the impact, as they’ll lose access to important resources like childcare and job support for their spouses.
To make matters worse, hiring at the VA will become a slow and complicated process. Every new hire will need approval from a DOGE “team lead,” who might not even be qualified for the role. These positions could be filled by young, politically motivated appointees with little experience. The result? A VA that struggles to function properly.
The bigger question is: Why would Trump and Musk support something like this? The answer seems to come down to money and power. Trump’s administration is trying to fund expensive plans, like mass deportations, while also maintaining the tax cuts for the wealthy that were passed in 2017. Meanwhile, Musk continues to benefit from government contracts and policies that favor his businesses.
While they claim this is about “saving money,” the reality is different. For example, the government is reportedly spending $400 million on armored Teslas—a deal that benefits Musk. But at the same time, veterans are losing access to healthcare and job security.
For years, politicians have promised to take care of veterans. But this executive order does the opposite. It cuts thousands of VA jobs, making it harder for veterans to get benefits and care. It also slashes programs that help veterans adjust to civilian life and hurts military families by cutting resources they depend on. On top of that, it turns the VA into a bureaucratic mess, making it even harder for veterans to get the help they need.
The message here seems clear: Trump and Musk aren’t trying to fix the VA. Instead, they’re breaking it down, pushing veterans toward the private sector while they save money and benefit themselves. For those who served the country, the message is harsh: “Good luck—you’re on your own.”
