The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has placed dozens of employees on leave for their roles in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, shifting millions of dollars back to the agency’s core responsibilities.
Key Facts
- About 60 VA employees were put on paid administrative leave as part of President Trump’s order to eliminate federal DEI initiatives.
- Their combined salaries exceed $8 million, with an average pay of approximately $136,000 per year.
- The VA is also reviewing DEI-focused contracts totaling more than $6.1 million for potential cancellation.
- The department plans to redirect these resources to improve services for veterans, families, and caregivers.
- The VA’s decision aligns with similar moves by other federal agencies responding to Trump’s DEI rollback.
The Rest of The Story
In a press release on Monday, VA officials confirmed that nearly 60 employees who worked exclusively on DEI matters were placed on paid leave.
They explained that the salary costs would be repurposed for enhanced veteran care.
This comes after President Trump signed an order ending federal DEI programs, which followed his pledge to revisit executive actions from the previous administration.
Some employees in these DEI offices had salaries above $200,000 per year.
Meanwhile, the VA is also reevaluating training, materials, and consulting contracts related to DEI, a move that could free up additional funds.
Officials say this shift will help them concentrate on the VA’s main objective: supporting veterans, families, and survivors.
The VA’s spokesperson, Morgan Ackley, stated that the department is proud to move beyond what they consider “divisive” policies.
The plan is to prioritize care, benefits, and other fundamental aspects of the agency’s mission.
Federal officials hope that by redirecting resources toward medical services and benefits, veterans will see a direct improvement in their day-to-day experiences.
VA ends DEI, stops millions in spending on DEI https://t.co/gj7sD7gSPP
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) January 27, 2025
Commentary
We believe ending DEI efforts in government is a step in the right direction.
DEI has often been misapplied in ways that foster division and highlight differences rather than promote true fairness.
Redirecting these salaries and contracts to care for veterans honors the department’s core mission and ensures resources are spent where they are most needed.
For too long, DEI programs have been used to shape hiring and training with questionable goals and methods.
Many see it as discrimination wrapped in a positive label.
The VA’s move signals that taxpayer money will be refocused on essential services rather than identity-based initiatives.
Retired USMC Lt Col @AmyMcGrathKY donned all her pilot gear to film a lunatic DEI rant against SECDEF @PeteHegseth
She’s lost both a House & Senate race
She says DEI makes the military better… and beat (some) of the sexism out of her fellow male Marines
Bet she was a joy pic.twitter.com/4dHm19SU1I
— NOVA Campaigns (@NoVA_Campaigns) January 27, 2025
The Bottom Line
The VA’s move to end DEI spending is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to refocus government agencies.
This shift involves significant resources, with millions of dollars being redirected to veteran services.
While critics may question the impact on workplace inclusion efforts, the VA insists that returning to its core mission will ultimately serve veterans best.
The coming months will reveal how these cost-savings translate into real benefits on the ground.
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