WASHINGTON

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to reduce its workforce by more than 80,000 employees as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to shrink the federal government, a report said Wednesday.

An internal memo calls for the department’s staff to go from over 482,000 to approximately 399,957, according to the New York Times

While early retirement and severance packages may be offered, past voluntary departure efforts fell short of administration targets, it added.

VA Secretary Doug Collins reassured that essential health care services would not be affected, with 300,000 positions designated as “mission critical.”

However, the reductions could eliminate over 40% of noncritical roles, raising concerns among Democrats.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, the top Democrat on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, called the move a “shameful betrayal,” warning it could undermine veteran services.