VA places 60 DEI employees on leave, with salaries totalling more than $8M

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has taken a significant step in ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by placing nearly 60 employees on leave who were dedicated to DEI efforts. These employees had a combined salary of over $8 million, with an average annual pay of $136,000 per employee. One employee even had a salary exceeding $220,000 per year.

The VA announced this move in a press release on Monday, stating that it had fully implemented President Donald Trump’s executive order to eliminate DEI in the federal government. As part of this decision, the VA placed these employees on paid administrative leave and identified contracts for DEI-related training and services worth more than $6.1 million that are currently under review for cancellation.

In addition to placing employees on leave and reviewing contracts, the VA is also removing DEI-related materials from its digital assets. The agency is reallocating resources to better support veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors, emphasizing its core mission of providing the best possible care and benefits to those who have served our nation.

The VA’s actions align with Trump’s broader plan to end DEI initiatives across federal agencies. The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, disclosed that $420 million in contracts focused on DEI had been canceled. Trump’s executive order, signed on his inauguration day, directed agencies to close all DEI offices and place employees on paid leave, signaling a shift away from Biden’s executive order promoting diversity initiatives.

As federal agencies like the VA comply with Trump’s directive, the focus is turning back to core missions and away from divisive DEI policies. The move has sparked debate and drawn attention to the importance of serving veterans and ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

It is essential to stay informed about these developments and their impact on government operations and initiatives. The VA’s decision to end DEI programs reflects a broader shift in federal policy and underscores the need to prioritize the needs of veterans and their families.