Veterans Rally in DC Against Trump Cuts: ‘Our Promises Are Under Attack’

On a recent Friday, the National Mall was filled with American flags and the voices of over 5,000 military veterans and their supporters. They gathered to protest the planned cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which includes slashing 80,000 jobs and canceling key contracts for veterans’ services.

David Magnus, a Navy veteran, traveled from Pittsburgh to join the protest. He shared his concerns about the VA’s current state. “I hope veterans will get their benefits in the future,” he said. His doctor had recently quit, leaving him frustrated with rising challenges in obtaining care. “It was easier before; now it feels chaotic,” he noted.

This rally wasn’t just in Washington, D.C. There were over 200 similar events across the country, from watch parties to vigils, many organized online by veterans eager to voice their concerns.

VA Secretary Doug Collins stated that the job cuts aim to reduce bureaucracy and won’t affect veterans’ healthcare. However, recent reports highlight a different story. The VA, which serves more than 9 million veterans, is facing a crisis. Cancelled appointments, closed hospital units, and risks to patient safety are becoming more common.

Demonstrators accused the Trump administration of attempting to dismantle the VA, the largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S., and replacing it with a private system that may not meet veterans’ needs. Kyleanne Hunter, a Marine Corps veteran and executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, emphasized the sacrifices made by service members, stating, “Promises made to us are under attack.”

The administration’s proposed budget cuts the VA’s medical services by $12 billion, nearly 20%, while boosting funds for private healthcare for veterans. “We’re already being starved,” said Sharda Fornnarino, a nurse at the VA in Denver, who joined the protest.

A report from a blue-ribbon commission showed that veterans often receive better care at lower costs within the public system. “Private providers lack oversight,” they noted, stressing that understanding military culture is crucial for effective care.

While the VA claims the budget prioritizes vulnerable veterans, many worry essential services are at risk. The protest took place on the anniversary of D-Day, reminding many of historical struggles for veterans’ rights, such as the “Bonus Army” march in 1932, where WWI veterans fought for promised benefits during the Great Depression.

Christopher Purdy, an Afghanistan war veteran who helped organize the march, pointed out that past protests have shaped critical programs like the GI Bill, which support veterans’ education and healthcare.

Additionally, speakers criticized Trump’s travel bans affecting those from countries like Afghanistan. Many veterans served with local translators who now face danger due to their past association with U.S. forces. Nadim Yousify, a former translator and Marine Corps veteran, poignantly remarked, “We left behind people who are now marked.”

As the debate continues over veterans’ care, the voices of those who served remain strong, reminding us of the ongoing challenges they face and the need for a healthcare system that respects their sacrifices.



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