CME Statement on Recent VA Layoffs

CME Press Room | Published on April 24, 2025

The Coalition for Military Excellence (CME), a national organization dedicated to advocating for veterans and military excellence in the U.S. armed forces, issued the following statement in response to the recent workforce reductions at the Department of Veterans Affairs:

“Americans should be proud of the work President Trump is doing to reduce inefficiency and waste across our government. His administration continues to pursue a bold and even-handed approach to streamlining the federal bureaucracy, ensuring that no agency, no matter how politically sensitive, is immune from necessary reform.

“The recent layoffs within the Department of Veterans Affairs reflect this commitment to smart, equitable governance. The Trump administration is treating every government employee with the fairness and respect they deserve. No category of federal personnel is more important than another, and every position, regardless of who holds it, should be subject to scrutiny. This is especially true for the VA, which provides services that millions of Americans rely upon.

“The VA has long been plagued by inefficiency and bloat, with some claims taking over 10 months to process. A leaner, more focused staff will help deliver the timely, high-quality care and support that our veterans have long been promised but too often failed to receive,” said Nico Melendez, spokesman for CME.

The Coalition for Military Excellence (CME) is a national organization dedicated to advocating for veterans and military excellence in the U.S. armed forces. CME is committed to combating policies and practices that undermine military excellence and threaten veteran support services. CME’s mission is to ensure the United States military remains focused on our nation's security through merit, strength, and excellence, while advocating for veteran rights, benefits, and resources.

Nico Melendez is a seasoned communications expert with over 30 years of experience in broadcasting, crisis communications, and public affairs. He is a 34 year Navy veteran. He previously served as a national spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, where he led communications during high-profile events including the 2006 liquid bomb plot and the LAX shooting. Melendez is the president of Melendez Consulting, Inc., and has advised leaders across government and military sectors. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

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