Chicago VA nurses protest Trump cuts, warn of negative impact on veterans’ care

CHICAGO (WGN) — Nurses and staff at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center on Friday protested President Donald Trump’s administration cuts, saying that it will hurt the veterans they serve. 

VA Secretary Doug Collins announced plans to cut nearly 80,000 jobs earlier this month, but insists it won’t impact care or benefits. Demonstrators on the ground in Chicago see it differently. 

“As someone who cares, who serves on the front lines, I see the impact of staffing shortages, not just in the statistics or reports, but in the lives of the veterans who depend on us,” Amy Potter, a VA social worker, said.  

A 2024 Inspector General’s report found severe medical officer and nurse staffing shortages at more than 80% of Veterans Health Administration facilities. With the expansion of coverage under the PACT Act, passed with bipartisan support, more veterans seek care. 

The National Nurses Organizing Committee and National Nurses United represent more than 2,000 nurses at Chicago VA facilities. Director Adelena Marshall, who also works as a nurse at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, was among the many voices Friday hoping to stop mass layoffs. 

“We cannot go back to 2019 staffing,” Marshall said. “We’ve been fighting for staffing from that point forward, and we’re still short.” 

Also in attendance Friday was Illinois State Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ Garcia, who said veterans deserve to be honored and given the best possible care.

“That will only happen with full staffing at VA facilities all over the country,” Garcia said. “We will fight back in Congress.”