VA Reduces Workforce by 30,000 After Canceling 80,000 Job Cuts

The Department of Veterans Affairs has significantly scaled back its workforce reduction plans from an initial target of more than 80,000 layoffs to approximately 30,000 job cuts by the end of fiscal year 2025. These reductions are being achieved through a combination of federal hiring freezes, voluntary early retirements, deferred resignations, and normal attrition, rather than large-scale layoffs. As of mid-2025, the VA's staff has already decreased from 484,000 to about 467,000 employees, with further reductions expected to bring the total to around 455,000. VA officials emphasize that these staffing changes will not impact veteran care or benefits, with mission-critical positions exempt from these reductions. The shift away from mass layoffs follows public outcry and concerns from veterans' advocacy groups and lawmakers about potential negative effects on veteran services. This move represents a notable retreat from President Trump's broader federal workforce downsizing efforts, as the VA seeks to balance efficiency goals with maintaining quality care for veterans.