March 17, 2025

In a series of nationwide protests on March 14, 2025, thousands of U.S. military veterans converged on locations including the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country to voice their opposition to significant cuts to veterans’ services under the Trump administration. The rallies were organized by the group Fourteenth Now, which references Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, designed to disqualify individuals from holding office if they engaged in insurrection.

Veterans gathered in Washington, D.C., where nearly 3,000 people protested outside the Capitol, expressing their outrage over the intentional purging of federal employees, particularly affecting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As part of the administration’s cost-cutting measures, over 80,000 federal jobs are expected to be cut this year, prompting serious concerns about the impact on veterans’ healthcare and benefits.

Among the crowd, veterans from various conflicts, including those who served in Vietnam and the Global War on Terrorism, voiced their frustrations. Vincent Camacho, a 24-year Air Force veteran who recently lost his job as a result of the cuts, shared his thoughts: “I thought that I would have a stable job after serving 24 years in the Air Force, and then they just turned around and terminated me for no cause.” Many veterans shared similar stories of job loss and the uncertainty surrounding their futures.

The protests in D.C. featured prominent speakers, including former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who called for Trump’s removal from office while highlighting the need for accountability within the federal government. Supporters carried signs denouncing both Trump and his adviser Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been at the center of the workforce reduction efforts.

Living under the looming threat of cuts, veterans expressed a sense of duty to advocate for their rights. Rebecca Logan, a 100% disabled veteran, articulated her disappointment in the government, stating that what is happening “is not right.” Meanwhile, Navy veteran Tom highlighted the strain on mental health caused by the uncertainty in VA services. “It’s already slowing down. I feel like I am burdensome to others,” he mentioned, underscoring the emotional toll the cuts have taken on veterans’ well-being.

The protests also resonated with underlying concerns over broader constitutional issues. Protesters argued that many of the actions taken by the Trump administration are unconstitutional, drawing on a sentiment that echoes the democratic values they had pledged to uphold during their military service.

Parallel protests in cities like Rochester, New York, and Edina, Minnesota, echoed these sentiments. In Minnesota, veterans rallied outside the offices of the state’s Republican Party, expressing their concerns over budget cuts to the VA, layoffs of veteran employees, and overall treatment of veterans.

As the gatherings unfolded, many participants emphasized the need for unity, calling on all citizens — regardless of political affiliation — to stand against what they describe as an assault on veterans and their rights. The collective message was clear: veterans deserve better support and services from the government they served.

As these protests make national headlines, they mark a pivotal moment for the veteran community, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction and a determination to advocate for essential rights and benefits.

Veterans nationwide stand united, demanding accountability and the preservation of their rights, as they continue to fight for the services they have earned through their sacrifices.

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