Veterans and their supporters from across the United States gathered in Washington D.C. on Friday to voice their anger over the Trump administration's sweeping cuts to federal jobs, particularly within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The rally, held in front of the U.S. Capitol, drew nearly 1,000 demonstrators, many of whom had recently lost their jobs due to the federal layoff plan. Some had traveled for days from various states to make their voices heard.
Among the protesters are veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They feel abandoned after being dismissed. Many condemned the government's move as a betrayal of both the U.S. constitution and the nation's servicemen and women.
"I'm here to support and defend the constitution of the United States of America. I was at the VA two days ago. [As for the Trump administration's policy], there's nothing based on fact," Mike, a recently laid-off veteran.
"It's absolutely awful. It's just unbelievable that we have somebody running this country [this way]," said Robert Goodwall, a U.S. Navy veteran.
Organized by veterans' advocacy groups, the rally is set to continue for three consecutive days in the nation's capital. Organizers are also calling on veterans across the country to hold similar demonstrations at state capitols to defend their rights.
The protest comes as Trump is carrying out major federal spending cuts, resulting in widespread job losses and the dismantling of government departments.
Under the direction of the White House's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the VA is planning an "aggressive" restructuring, with up to 80,000 employees facing layoffs, according to local media reports citing an internal memo. Veterans make up over a quarter of the agency's workforce, making the proposed cuts particularly controversial.
Veterans rally in Washington DC to protest federal job cuts
Veterans rally in Washington DC to protest federal job cuts
Veterans rally in Washington DC to protest federal job cuts
