Veteran fired from VA Hospital after Trump cuts

Anthony Muro, a Marine veteran, was fired from his job at the Hines VA Hospital due to cuts made by President Trump’s administration to reduce government costs. Muro worked in a wellness program helping fellow veterans lead healthier lives. He was among 25,000 workers, mostly on probation, who lost their jobs in a controversial move led by Elon Musk. Three weeks after his dismissal, Muro was informed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that he would be on paid administrative leave due to a judge's ruling stating the firings were unlawful. However, he is still not allowed to return to work while the Trump administration fights this decision in court. Muro feels a deep connection to his work and believes the cuts may harm the quality of care offered to veterans. Nearly 30% of the VA's employees are veterans, and many in this group are concerned about losing their jobs. Although almost two-thirds of veterans supported Trump in the last election, Muro is now questioning his vote because of the adverse effects of these cuts. The cuts could lead to even deeper reductions in staffing, with plans to potentially drop tens of thousands of additional workers. VA Secretary Doug Collins insists that crucial positions were not eliminated, but Muro disagrees. He believes his job was important for veteran health care and worries about the impact on morale and support within the VA. Muro, who has a serious foot condition that affects his mobility, had found renewed purpose in his VA role after 13 years at Walmart. As he looks for his next opportunity, he hopes to continue helping veterans, whether through employment or volunteering. He feels a responsibility to support the community that has provided him with so much.