VA will cut 25,000 positions it has been unable to fill

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is planning to cut at least 25,000 vacant positions across its facilities. VA Secretary Doug Collins insists the move will not affect current employees or veterans’ care. Yet lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about the potential impact on services.

The VA’s decision comes amid a growing staffing crisis. In August 2025, the department’s inspector general reported a 50% rise in shortages compared to the previous year. Critical roles—nurses, medical officers, and mental health specialists—remain particularly hard to fill.

Secretary Collins has stressed that no existing staff will lose their jobs. He also confirmed that hiring will continue where necessary. However, the cuts target positions that have stayed empty for over a year.

Opposition to the plan emerged early. In March 2024, Republican Representative Tim Burchett criticised the proposed reductions, arguing they could undermine promised staffing levels. Democratic lawmakers, including Representatives Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, have since warned that the cuts may harm veterans’ access to care and benefits.

The VA’s workforce has already shrunk by roughly 30,000 positions since the early years of the Trump administration. It will take months to assess whether these latest changes affect wait times for medical services.

The VA maintains that veteran care will remain unaffected by the cuts. But with staffing shortages worsening, the impact on services may become clearer in the coming year. Lawmakers and veterans’ groups will likely continue monitoring the situation closely.