Wichita Standard

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, held a press conference in Washington, D.C., alongside labor unions and veterans to criticize policies affecting the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The event was aimed at opposing actions by President Trump and Elon Musk, which Blumenthal described as detrimental to VA employees and veterans.

“Memo to Elon Musk—nine million veterans are watching you,” stated Blumenthal. “Nine million veterans are watching you give them the middle finger. And we’re not going to stand for it. We are going to fight Elon Musk’s plan to slash and trash the VA in the biggest power grab and heist of valuable information and money in our nation’s history.”

Blumenthal highlighted the consequences of policies associated with Musk and Trump, including hiring freezes and executive orders that reduce workforce numbers at VA facilities. He pointed out specific impacts such as closed operating rooms, reduced ICU beds, and cuts in inpatient mental health facilities.

The senator further criticized Musk's approach: “Now, what Elon Musk says he’s doing is cutting waste. In fact, he’s laying waste to democracy…And nine million veterans across the country depend on the VA disability benefits, health care, day-in and day-out."

Blumenthal emphasized his commitment to fighting these changes: "We will honor our heroes. We will keep the faith with you. We will not surrender."

The press conference also addressed staffing shortages within the VA amidst increasing demand for services like mental health care. Blumenthal condemned recent initiatives from President Trump’s administration that could lead to significant reductions in workforce numbers.

The event concluded with remarks from Everett Kelly of the American Federation of Government Employees.