Veterans Nationwide Protest VA and Medicaid Cuts

On June 6, 2025, the 81st anniversary of D-Day, thousands of veterans and supporters held nationwide protests, including major rallies at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., local VA centers, and dozens of cities and states. The demonstrations targeted the Trump administration's proposed 15% cut to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce and broader federal workforce reductions, as well as planned funding cuts to Medicaid and other services. Protesters warned that these reductions would undermine veterans' access to essential healthcare and benefits, disproportionately affecting veterans, who make up nearly a quarter of federal employees. Organizers and speakers called on citizens and lawmakers to defend veterans' interests, citing the history of successful veteran-led policy advocacy. The protests also featured bipartisan support for preserving veterans' benefits and highlighted the vital role veterans play in national policy debates. Some rallies included additional calls for peace and immigrant rights, reflecting the intersectional concerns of participants.