The Department of Veterans Affairs canceled a contract that paid approximately $380K per month for minor website modifications after the oversight body DOGE uncovered significant wasteful spending. The work has since been redirected to an internal software engineer working about 10 hours per week, as defended by VA Secretary Doug Collins as part of broader reform efforts aimed at reallocating resources to veteran services.

Federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, have limited the display of non-approved flags such as LGBTQ+ pride flags at their facilities, aligning with wider policies that restrict expressions of marginalized identities in government spaces.

Ranking Members Takano and Blumenthal are calling for the immediate and permanent reinstatement of the VA’s Office of Equity Assurance following its closure. The office, which was essential for monitoring and addressing disparities—particularly against minority veterans—in the benefits claims process, was shut down by senior VA leadership under the Trump-Musk-Vance administration. Critics argue that this action undermines equitable access to benefits and represents an executive decision that compromises the VA’s commitment to all veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has executed large-scale layoffs, firing over 2,400 employees (including 1,400 probationary workers) as part of a cost-cutting initiative aligned with the Trump administration's broader effort to reduce federal spending. Veterans groups and industry representatives have raised alarms over the lack of transparency and the potential adverse impact on veterans’ care and worker rights.

The article reports that over 2,000 probationary workers at the Minneapolis VA were fired in February 2025 as part of an effort under the Trump administration to reduce perceived inefficiencies. Lawmakers and union leaders have decried these layoffs as 'incompetent,' highlighting severe disruptions to workers' rights and ongoing confusion about potential court remedies.

An OIG audit of VA medical facilities revealed that approximately 18.5% of supply chain management areas were noncompliant, with numerous outstanding deficiencies, expired medical supplies, and even canceled surgeries. The report highlights issues such as staffing shortages, leadership turnover, and inadequate oversight, prompting calls for improved management practices across the VISNs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs finalized a rule effective February 24, 2023, that requires government contractors to implement stricter cybersecurity measures. The rule mandates new internal controls, rapid breach reporting protocols, and the inclusion of liquidated damages clauses in contracts containing VA sensitive information to protect confidential data and health information.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has introduced a new artificial intelligence strategy to guide the ethical use of AI in healthcare and benefits delivery, ensuring that technology implementation protects veteran information and complies with executive orders and national standards.