The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly planning on targeting officials from the Veterans Affairs Office as it continues its push to slash government spending and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
A VA office is set to be included in DOGE's next wave of termination. Concretely, one that works to ensure all veterans receive equal access to care, the Washington Post reported.
"Phase 1" of DOGE's plans to dismantle all DEI initiatives in the federal government seeks to terminate all DEI offices, positions and programs within 60 days of President Donald Trump taking office.
Trump previously called the decision to roll back DEI programs a return to "merit-based" opportunity" and an end to "illegal discrimination."
As a part of "Phase 2," which DOGE and the Trump administration say they are currently on, positions at certain offices that may have been required by law are set to be reviewed and possibly placed on leave. The administration will also seek to cancel "DEI-focused" federal contracts and grants.
"There are DEI-focused personnel embedded throughout divisions that do not have any identifying DEI criteria in their name," one document stated, the Post reported. "Phase 2/3 will be focused on identifying these employees and putting them on administrative leave."
A list compiled by the outlet based on the obtained documents identifies five offices or councils connected to the VA, four of which were targeted by Phase 1 and one by Phase 2.
Once DOGE advances to "Phase 3," employees connected to perceived DEI initiatives could be included in mass firings.
More than 1,000 employees were dismissed from the VA on Friday, The Hill reported.
Trump and several White House officials have repeatedly pledged their support for DOGE's efforts. Meanwhile, several Democratic lawmakers and activists have protested DOGE and Elon Musk's involvement in the government.
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