The Trump administration is embarking on a significant workforce reduction at the Department of Veterans Affairs, as revealed in an internal memo obtained by CNN. The memo, dated March 4 and addressed to key officials, outlines plans for restructuring and downsizing the VA in collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The goal is to realign the department’s workforce to its 2019 levels, necessitating the termination of over 70,000 employees from the current staff of more than 470,000 individuals.

Reported by Government Executive, the memo instructs VA administration and staff offices to gather information and submit reports to the Office of Personnel Management by April 14. This move comes amidst similar actions in other federal agencies under OPM guidance, which recently shifted to agency discretion regarding terminations. The Pentagon, for instance, plans to dismiss a portion of its civilian workforce, starting with probationary workers.

The VA’s decision to reduce its workforce contrasts with its recent expansion efforts during the Biden administration, aimed at enhancing support for veterans exposed to hazards during their service. This restructuring signifies a strategic shift within the VA and reflects broader workforce adjustments across federal agencies. The evolving landscape of federal employment underscores the impact of policy changes on government staffing levels and operations.