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(L-R) Attorney Alina Habba speaks as US former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump looks on during a press conference at Trump Tower in New York City on September 6, 2024.
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During a press conference, Alina Habba, the lead attorney for former President Donald Trump, raised concerns regarding the capability and willingness of some military veterans who have recently lost their federal jobs amid ongoing workforce reductions. Her remarks emphasized a balancing act between showing support for veterans and adhering to fiscal responsibility with taxpayer funds.
“We have a deep commitment to veterans,” Habba stated, addressing reporters at the White House. “However, we must consider how taxpayer dollars are utilized, ensuring they are allocated to individuals who are actively working.”
Habba pointedly remarked, “It might be the case that some veterans are not currently able or willing to seek employment.” She stressed that it would be unacceptable to compensate individuals who are not contributing to their roles.
The Trump administration is in the midst of a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the federal workforce, which has stirred public backlash, particularly among veterans facing job loss.
Habba’s comments came just before Trump was scheduled to speak at a joint session of Congress.
In response, Senate Democrats announced that some of their guest attendees for the address would be veterans who have faced termination due to the administration’s extensive job cuts.
Notably, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York stated that he had invited Alissa Ellman, a veteran who reported being unjustly dismissed from her position at the Buffalo VA, as part of the widespread job terminations during the regime of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins.
According to data from the Office of Personnel Management, veterans constitute about 30% of the federal workforce, with nearly 640,000 veterans employed as of September 2021. Of this number, 53% are classified as disabled.
In light of the mounting criticism surrounding federal job cuts, the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee has advised GOP lawmakers to reconsider holding face-to-face town halls. This recommendation follows events in which constituents vocally expressed their concerns regarding these cuts.
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For instance, at a recent event in Kansas, Republican Senator Roger Marshall cut his visit short when faced with tough questions from attendees regarding the cuts and other pressing matters.
Among those questioning him was Chuck Nunn, who identified as a conservative Democrat and voiced his support for the Trump administration’s goal of minimizing fraud and waste within government spending.
However, Nunn expressed disapproval of the approach taken, highlighting that it had led to unforeseen repercussions for many, especially veterans, stating, “I back our veterans. However, the current job cuts disproportionately affect them.” He lamented, “That is a damn shame.” Marshall departed the town hall meeting shortly after Nunn’s remarks.
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