Trump and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have proposed cuts to the VA’s workforce and budget that affect various aspects of service for veterans. These changes include job losses, potential reductions in healthcare access and delays in construction projects, among other concerns. The VA plans to reduce its workforce by 83,000 employees, which could lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care.
The cuts could impact the availability of services such as mental healthcare, cancer screenings and substance-abuse treatment. Reductions could delay or halt construction projects, potentially affecting access to facilities and services. The cuts might also affect ongoing clinical trials and research related to veterans’ health conditions.
On May 17, more than 50 community members and veterans gathered at Radio Park in Fresno and marched to the VA complex to protest the proposed cuts to and the Trump administration’s attack on veterans’ healthcare. Veterans for Peace President Joshua Shurley, professor of political science at Fresno City College and a U.S. Army veteran, addressed the rally prior to the march.
“We seek a culture of peace and seek justice not just for veterans but for all victims of war. Going back to that point about the costs of war that many of my fellow veterans already spoke about, this represents the cost of war, you know, getting into these interventions generation after generation.
“[VA-provided healthcare] is a promise that was made and a promise that must be kept. For far too long these attacks on our veterans’ health administration have come full force, and frankly it didn’t start with Trump.
“While the VA is not perfect, it is uniquely suited to the needs of veterans and what it needs is full funding and full support. Let’s invest in the VA, let’s improve it and let’s fight to keep it.”
Bob Lincoln, a U.S. Navy and Air Force veteran who served from 1963 to 1969, was among those present. “I get great care, great service, and I love the people that work at the VA,” he said.
“There’s nothing [Trump] stands for that I support…He’s a problem and the worst thing that ever happened to this country. We need more services, not less at the VA; it’s uncommonly cruel to cut veterans benefits.”
Scot Fibbs came out to support the veterans of Fresno. “I am not a veteran, but I do believe that those that served deserve to be supported. I am disgusted by President Trump. The way he speaks about veterans, the way he disrespects them. I am here today with others and hope we can make a change.”
“I am a nurse,” said Brenda Lincoln, “these cuts are drastic. What do they want our nurses to do—answer the phones or take care of patients? All services are essential, and we can’t just cut these people for no reason.”
Community member Mary Luck says that “veterans are owed our gratitude and our faithfulness to their needs. It’s more cruel that [Trump] is famous for cutting veterans’ benefits and services. I feel so bad for people that lost their jobs. It’s just not acceptable.”
Myra Coble is a volunteer organizer with Central Valley Indivisible. She said that “President Trump does not have a mandate to be making all these cuts. The majority of Americans did not vote for Donald Trump, and the majority of Americans are rising up to resist this takeover, this coup, that he has put in place.
“This Project 2025, we’re gonna fight it. Central Valley Indivisible meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Big Red Church (2131 N. Van Ness Blvd. in Fresno), and more people are getting involved. People want to do something. We are not helpless.”
Another supporter, Hannah Krebs, noted that “our democracy is at the bottom line of everything we do. It is under attack. Our justice system is under attack, and now veterans are under attack.
“All of this is important to the people of America, and [Trump] is demolishing things. This is why we’re out here, and we must continue to the next election.”
There are two “No Kings Day” protests scheduled in Fresno on June 14 as part of a nationwide action. The first is from 10 a.m. to noon, starting at Cary Park and marching to Fashion Fair shopping center. The other is at River Park shopping center at the corner of Blackstone and Nees avenues, starting at noon.
