Veterans Rally Against VA Cuts on D-Day Anniversary

Updated June 08, 2025

Thousands ⁣of veterans converged on ‍the National Mall in Washington, D.C.,Friday to protest ⁣proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The rally coincided with the 81st⁤ anniversary of D-Day. The veterans voiced ⁣concerns over potential impacts on healthcare and the ban on transgender people serving in the military.

The trump administration’s proposed cuts to the VA have sparked widespread concern among veterans.The agency has already reportedly fired thousands of probationary employees and is considering further workforce ‍reductions. Veterans rely ⁤on the VA for critical services,‍ including addiction counseling, PTSD treatment, prosthetics, and cancer care related to toxic chemical exposure. Medical research conducted by the VA has also led to breakthroughs benefiting both veterans and civilians, such as pacemakers and ‍CT scans.

An Army veteran from Maryland, who served in Iraq ‍and Afghanistan, said veterans are the “canary in the coal mine” for the future of healthcare in America.

Many protesters also ⁣expressed outrage over the executive order banning transgender individuals from ⁣military service.One D.C. resident noted the injustice ⁤of dismissing “hard-working,able-bodied,willing people” during‍ a time⁤ of need.

the rally featured a performance by Dropkick Murphys and speeches from prominent figures. Former congressman Adam Kinzinger, a Republican and Air National Guard veteran, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a democrat‍ who lost both legs in Iraq, addressed the crowd.

“We ‍are sick of ⁤politicians promising to look out for veterans when they are on the campaign trail and then⁢ abandoning‍ them when ⁣they take office,” Duckworth told the crowd.

What’s next

The veterans plan to continue advocating for their needs and holding politicians accountable for their promises regarding veterans ⁤ affairs and military policies.