Coachella Valley veterans protesting VA cuts along with other nationwide rallies

Dozens of local veterans plan to rally against President Trump and DOGE's proposed layoffs to the Department of Veterans Affairs Friday afternoon.

An internal memo obtained by the Associated Press from the VA Chief of Staff has directed the agency's secretaries to prepare "reorganization" plans that would involve cutting over 80,000 jobs from the department.

The memo states it wants to return the agency to pre-pandemic staffing levels, of just about 400,000 employees. But 25% of the VA's employees are veterans, and those critical of the move say it will harm healthcare and benefits.

In February, the department laid off 1,000 employees, citing the cuts would save $98 million, and those funds would be redirected towards veteran care, services and benefits.

Still, Coachella Valley veterans are fired up that this could disrupt their care, many who receive coverage for medications and surgeries through the VA.

David Johnson says he's worried an eye injury he's planning surgery for could be impacted.

"I have a mass on my optic nerve that causes me not to be able to move my left eye. I'm afraid that the funding for my surgery is going to be gone," Johnson said.

Scott Grasser has received care for more than 30 years and says he's seen the good and bad of the agency. Now, he fears for the new generation of veterans.

"After two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, 3.5 million service members were in those conflicts. Just as they're coming into the system, they're talking about cutting staff. Well, this just doesn't make sense," Grasser said.

The results of the "reorganization" plan will be published in June of this year before staff decisions are made.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this story.