The decision came after the service lost confidence in the commander's ability to lead, according to the Marine Corps. Democrats must highlight the dangers of planned VA cuts to both veterans and the public, House Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano said. Former U.S. defense officials said the unsecured messaging chain could have jeopardized the operation and put American lives at risk. Administration officials acknowledged that top leaders used a non-government group chat to coordinate ahead of military airstrikes in Yemen. Department leaders promised to continue to provide necessary care to transgender veterans even after the rule changes. About 2,500 VA workers have been forced out of their jobs in the last few weeks. An employee from the controversial new department will review VA contracts and IT system operations, VA officials confirmed. The former Joint Chiefs chairman had warned that Trump may seek revenge against him and other critics if re-elected to the White House. The top watchdogs for the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs were among the individuals dismissed by Trump. VA hires about 40,000 new workers every year to maintain operations at VA medical sites. It's unclear if that can continue under Trump's hiring halt. Load More
