Veterans Affairs Blocks Mass Resignations in Trump’s Workforce Overhaul/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has ruled that over 130 occupations, including nurses, doctors, and healthcare staff, are ineligible for Trump’s deferred resignation program. The decision comes amid fears that mass resignations would cripple veteran healthcare services. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the program, which was led by Trump adviser Elon Musk, extending the deadline for affected employees.
VA Blocks Mass Resignations as Trump’s Workforce Plan Faces Pushback – Quick Look
- VA Exemptions: More than 130 occupations, including nurses, doctors, and pharmacists, are ineligible for Trump’s deferred resignation offer.
- Healthcare Impact: Unions warned that mass resignations could harm care for 9.1 million veterans.
- Staff Confusion: Employees are struggling to determine who is actually eligible under the changing rules.
- Trump’s Workforce Overhaul: The resignation program is part of Trump and Musk’s broader effort to reshape federal agencies.
- Legal Challenge: A federal judge has temporarily blocked the program, extending the resignation deadline.
- Nurses’ Response: VA nurses emphasize their commitment to veterans despite ongoing staffing shortages.
VA Blocks Mass Resignations as Trump’s Workforce Plan Faces Pushback – Deep Look
Trump’s Deferred Resignation Plan Faces Major Roadblock at VA
In a major development affecting healthcare workers at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the agency has ruled that over 130 occupations are ineligible for President Donald Trump’s deferred resignation program.
This decision effectively blocks thousands of nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff from participating in the program, which allows federal employees to resign with delayed benefits as part of Trump and Elon Musk’s initiative to restructure the federal workforce.
Mass Resignations Could Threaten Veteran Healthcare
The decision follows strong opposition from unions, who warned that allowing VA healthcare workers to resign en masse could severely disrupt care for the 9.1 million veterans who rely on the VA’s services.
“The VA is already dealing with a serious shortage of nurses, and we would never abandon our veterans,” said Irma Westmoreland, head of the VA unit for National Nurses United.
While some non-healthcare staff may still be eligible, the VA’s decision effectively exempts the majority of its workforce from Trump’s program.
VA Employees Left in the Dark
Employees were informed of the new exemptions via email on Friday, which included an attachment listing the ineligible occupations. However, the lack of clarity has left many staff members confused about their status.
“It seems like it’s almost everyone,” said Mary-Jean Burke, a physical therapist and union leader with the American Federation of Government Employees.
The VA’s ineligible list includes:
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Pharmacists
- Physical Therapists
- Laundry Workers & Cooks
Only full-time probationary employees and certain retirees scheduled for 2025 remain eligible, according to the VA’s internal memo.
VA Defends Its Decision Amid Staffing Shortages
A VA spokesperson emphasized that the exemptions were necessary to ensure veteran healthcare and benefits remain uninterrupted.
“Exempting these occupations from the program will ensure VA continues providing mission-critical health care, benefits, and memorial services,” the spokesperson said.
The VA is one of the largest federal employers, with over 100,000 nurses, making up 5% of all full-time federal employees. Losing a significant portion of its workforce would have had devastating effects on veteran healthcare.
Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Resignation Program
In a separate legal challenge, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction on Thursday, blocking the resignation program until Monday.
The judge’s order delays the deadline, preventing employees from being forced into immediate resignation decisions while legal challenges play out.
The resignation plan is part of a broader effort by Trump and adviser Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to trim the federal workforce. However, critics argue that the administration is recklessly dismantling essential services without proper oversight.
What’s Next?
- Legal Battles Continue: The temporary block on the resignation program could lead to further legal scrutiny.
- More Federal Agencies May Push Back: If the VA successfully exempts workers, other agencies may follow.
- Veterans’ Healthcare at Stake: The staffing crisis remains unresolved, and unions warn that the VA must address long-term hiring shortages.
With Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal workforce meeting resistance, the fight over who stays and who goes is far from over.
