How did the DOGE-led workforce reduction effort impact Veterans Affairs employees?

The DOGE-led initiative to shrink the government workforce resulted in over 1,000 VA employees being fired, with many of those affected being probationary workers who had served less than two years and lacked job protections or appeal rights. Many were considered underperforming employees according to the Trump administration's assessment. This workforce reduction was claimed to save the department more than $98 million annually, but came at the cost of terminating newer employees who had fewer protections than their longer-serving colleagues. The initiative particularly targeted those without established job security, highlighting the vulnerable position of newer federal workers in government streamlining efforts.