Politics, History Theo Edwards Politics, History Theo Edwards

Veterans Fired From Federal Jobs Say They Feel Betrayed, Including Some Who Voted For Trump

Veterans fired from federal jobs say they feel betrayed, including some who voted for Trump. Nathan Hooven is a disabled Air Force veteran who voted for Donald Trump in November. Barely three months later, he’s now unemployed and says he feels betrayed by the president’s dramatic downsizing of the federal government that cost him his job.

1 of 4| James Stancil is seen outside the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Nathan Hooven is a disabled Air Force veteran who voted for Donald Trump in November. Barely three months later, he’s now unemployed and says he feels betrayed by the president’s dramatic downsizing of the federal government that cost him his job.

“I think a lot of other veterans voted the same way, and we have been betrayed,” said Hooven, who was fired in February from a Virginia medical facility for veterans. “I feel like my life and the lives of so many like me, so many that have sacrificed so much for this country, are being destroyed.”

The mass firing of federal employees since Trump took office in January is pushing out veterans who make up 30% of the nation’s federal workforce. The exact number of veterans who have lost their jobs is unknown, although House Democrats last month estimated that it was potentially in the thousands.

More could be on the way. The Department of Veterans Affairs — a major employer of veterans — is planning a reorganization that includes cutting over 80,000 jobs from the sprawling agency, according to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. Veterans represent more than 25% of the VA’s workforce.

READ Sweeping Layoffs! Conditions in America Have Only Just Begun to Change. Anger, chaos, and confusion take hold. The insight!

In interviews, several veterans who supported candidates of both parties described their recent job losses as a betrayal of their military service. They are particularly angered by how it happened: in an email that cited inadequate job performance — despite, they say, receiving positive reviews in their roles.

James Stancil, a 62-year-old Army veteran who was fired last month from his job as a supply technician at a VA hospital in Milwaukee, said it felt like he’d been shot and dumped out of a helicopter.

“And you just free fall and hit the ground — that’s it,” said Stancil, who supported Democrat Kamala Harris last year. “I’m not dead weight. You’re tossing off the wrong stuff.”

Stancil said the email he received telling him his performance wasn’t good enough came as “a complete shock” because he had previously received positive feedback. Hooven also said his performance was cited despite similarly positive feedback during his 11 months as a probationary employee.

“I’ve been blindsided,” Hooven said. “My life has been completely upended with zero chance to prepare. I was fired without notice, unjustly, based on a lie that I’m a subpar, poor performer at my job.”

Stancil said he believes Trump owes fired veterans an apology.

Asked this week about fired federal workers who are veterans, Alina Habba, a former member of Trump’s personal legal team who now serves as a counselor in the White House, defended the cuts.

“But at the same time, we have taxpayer dollars, we have a fiscal responsibility to use taxpayer dollars to pay people that actually work,” Habba told reporters. “That doesn’t mean that we forget our veterans, by any means. We are going to care for them in the right way. But perhaps they’re not fit to have a job at this moment, or not willing to come to work.”

Veterans were much likelier to support Trump than Harris in November’s presidential election, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of the American electorate conducted in all 50 states. Nearly 6 in 10 voters who are veterans backed Trump, while about 4 in 10 voted for Harris.

Cynthia Williams, an Army veteran who lost her job as a dispatcher at a VA in Ann Arbor, Michigan, said she didn’t vote for either candidate but suspects fellow veterans who backed Trump might have changed their minds had they known this was coming.

“It was blindsiding because he said he wanted to make the country great again … but this is not making it great again,” Williams said.

Matthew Sims, an Army veteran, lost his job last month as a program support assistant at a mental health clinic at a VA in Salem, Virginia, after moving with his wife and three children from Texas. He voted for Trump and said he supports reducing the size of the federal government but not this way.

“I support downsizing, but it’s just the way they’re going about doing it. It’s like the chainsaw approach, I guess, versus the surgical approach that they should be doing,” Sims said.

Jared Evans, a recreation therapist at the Salem VA, was fired in February, his eighth month as a probationary worker. Evans said a patient had just told him how much he appreciated his work when he received his email. He had moved from California with his wife, 3-year-old son, and 1-year-old daughter for a job that he had long wanted.

Evans, a 36-year-old Army veteran, was the only one working in his family. He said he feels scared, numb and angry.

“I cried,” Evans said about learning of his firing. “I haven’t done that in a while, because you’re just kind of free-falling now. You’re in an area to where you’re not really familiar with, and you’re just being left out to dry.”

This article first appeared on APNews!
 
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New Tariffs Imposed on Goods Entering the US From Canada, Mexico, and China

Donald Trump imposed new tariffs on goods entering the US from Canada, Mexico, and China. The US president signed an executive order putting a 25% tariff or tax on imports of all goods coming from Canada and Mexico to get both countries to crack down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Additionally, goods from China will be subject to a 10% tariff on top of existing tariffs until the country addresses fentanyl smuggling.

Theo Edwards for YAME Digital

We have officially entered the ‘Find Out’ phase

Saturday, February 1, 2025

 

BREAKING News: Monday, February 3, 2025: Trump faces backlash from business as trade war sounds inflation alarm.

UPDATES: Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum says US tariffs are on hold for a month after talks with President Donald Trump; Canada 'misunderstood'

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UPDATES: Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum says US tariffs are on hold for a month after talks with President Donald Trump; Canada 'misunderstood' 〰️

Trump has given a range of reasons for imposing tariffs, including border security, inflows of drugs, and trade deficits - Canada has already introduced retaliatory tariffs.

Canada and Mexico move to retaliate on Trump tariff orders. Moments after Ottawa Premier Doug Ford announced that US companies would be banned from Ontario Government provincial contracts as a direct consequence of tariffs. America only has Donald Trump to blame.

Every year, the Ontario government and agencies spend $30 billion on procurement along with a $200 billion plan to build Ontario. US-based businesses will now lose out on tens of billions of dollars in new revenues.

Ontario, the most populous of Canada’s ten provinces and its industrial heartland, also announced on Monday that it was canceling a C$100 million ($68.12 million) contract with Elon Musk's Starlink. This decision is the latest response to the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

‘Canada did not start this fight with the U.S., but you better believe we’re ready to win it’ ~ Doug Ford, Ottawa Premier.

The US president spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau to discuss the tariffs after the White House said Ottawa had “misunderstood” the situation. The two will speak again in a few hours.

LATEST UPDATE: Monday, February 3, 2025 | 5:12 PM EST.

Trump's sudden pause on tariffs with Canada and Mexico reveals uncertainty. While politicians may breathe easier with the halt in tariffs, the situation is more complicated.

Following an agreement to enhance border security, Canada plans to appoint a "fentanyl tsar," while Mexico will deploy 10,000 troops to the border as part of the deal with Trump. Canada is also facing increasing pressure to reduce its reliance on the United States and to reevaluate the nature of its cross-border relationship.

Buy Canada

Anger persists prompting calls for Canada to boost in-country trade while seeking more dependable international partners beyond the US.

China

China has placed counter-tariffs on US imports that will take effect on February 10.

Monday, February 3, 2025 | 7:30 PM EST.

Beijing hits back! China has announced retaliatory tariffs on certain American goods as U.S. tariffs on all Chinese products come into effect.

Beijing Strikes With Lightening Speed. China is not what it once was.

The Chinese tariffs due to begin on Monday would put a 15% import tax on US coal and liquefied natural gas, plus 10% on crude oil, agricultural machinery, pick-up trucks, and some sports cars. But there are signs that Beijing is in listening mode.

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Donald Trump imposed new tariffs on goods entering the US from Canada, Mexico, and China. The US president signed an executive order putting a 25% tariff or tax on imports of all goods coming from Canada and Mexico to get both countries to crack down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Additionally, goods from China will be subject to a 10% tariff on top of existing tariffs until the country addresses fentanyl smuggling.

President Trump views his actions as a central part of his economic vision. He sees tariffs as essential for growing the US economy, protecting jobs, and increasing tax revenue. Which Economists largely viewed [statement] as misleading.

We have officially entered the ‘Find Out’ phase

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, in his responses, announced retaliatory measures against the United States.

 
 

Canada is imposing a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of American goods in response to the U.S. trade actions.

$30 billion worth of American goods will face immediate tariffs starting on Tuesday.

An additional $125 billion worth of American products will be subject to tariffs in 21 days, providing time for Canadian companies and supply chains to adjust and find alternatives.

Includes everyday consumer items like: American beer, wine, bourbon, fruits and fruit juices (specific mention of orange juice), vegetables, perfumes, clothing, and shoes.

It also includes major consumer products: household appliances, furniture, and sports equipment.

Canada is also targeting materials like lumber and plastics.

Canada is also exploring non-tariff measures related to critical minerals, energy procurement, and other strategic partnerships.

Talk about collateral damage

Some observers see Trudeau’s move as having done the math on how to respond. According to their observations, it will create food insecurity for Americans, bring car production to a halt, and worsen the current housing crisis in the United States.

The burden of tariffs can profoundly affect both the market and the everyday shopper

TRADE WAR

If a US importing firm chooses to pass the cost of a tariff onto consumers through higher retail prices, it is the American buyer who ultimately suffers the economic consequences.

On the other hand, if the importing firm decides to absorb the cost of the tariff without passing it on to consumers, it bears the economic burden itself, resulting in lower profits than it would have otherwise earned.

The leaders of Canada, Mexico, and China (L-R): Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada; Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico; and Xi Jinping, President of China.

The day after imposing significant new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China

A day after imposing significant new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, President Donald Trump acknowledged something that economists, members of Congress, and even some of his former aides have long been warning: Americans may have to bear the financial burden of these tariffs.

“THIS WILL BE THE GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICA! WILL THERE BE SOME PAIN? YES, MAYBE (AND MAYBE NOT!).”
— Trump posted, in all capital letters, on his Truth Social platform.

The question on everyone's mind is who ultimately bears the economic burden of tariffs.

Theo Edwards for YAME Digital

Please stay updated for ongoing developments. Refresh the article page for the latest information.

Mexico

Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, said in a post on X that she had also ordered retaliatory tariffs.

People walk along U.S. Route 101 during a protest against arrests and deportations of migrants by U.S. government agencies in Los Angeles, California

"I instruct the economy minister to implement Plan B that we have been working on, which includes tariff and non-tariff measures in defense of Mexico's interests," she wrote.

 
 
 

China

China says it will take retaliatory measures against US President Trump’s new tariffs, saying fentanyl is ‘America’s Problem.’

China's Ministry of Commerce, meanwhile, accused the United States in a statement released Sunday of violating World Trade Organization rules with the tariff.

The ministry said China would file a lawsuit with the WTO against the United States and take "corresponding countermeasures to firmly safeguard its rights and interests."

 
“Next up for Tariffs? The EU!”
— Trumps says US tariffs on imports from the EU will definately happen.

Mr. Trump stated to the BBC late Sunday that tariffs will definitely be imposed on the European Union over US oil and gas imports and could arrive 'pretty soon.' He noted that trade with the UK is ‘out of line,’ but believes a deal can be reached.

European Union warns it will retaliate if US President Trump imposes tariffs,.

 

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Prof. David Honig of Indiana University—Robert H. McKinney School of Law, wrote:

The Difference in the Negotiating Process: Distributive vs. Integrative Bargaining.

Distributive bargaining involves a competitive negotiation strategy where each party tries to maximize their own gain, often at the other party's expense. This approach is typically used when resources are limited, and the goal is to divide them.

In contrast, integrative bargaining focuses on collaboration between parties to achieve a win-win outcome. This strategy emphasizes mutual interests and aims to find solutions that satisfy both sides, allowing for greater value creation and a more sustainable agreement.

Understanding the distinction between these two bargaining styles is crucial for effective negotiation.

Distributive vs. Integrative Bargaining

Wonky Stuff

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)

Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) play a vital role in immigration enforcement. They oversee all aspects of the process, which includes identifying individuals, as well as their arrest, detention, and removal under immigration law. ERO typically learns about these individuals through Interpol notices, suspected terrorists, cases involving counter-proliferation crimes, the terrorist watch list, or the no-fly list. Currently, 1,563 Sierra Leoneans are scheduled for imminent removal.

Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) play a vital role in immigration enforcement. They oversee all aspects of the process, which includes identifying individuals, as well as their arrest, detention, and removal under immigration law. ERO typically learns about these individuals through Interpol notices, suspected terrorists, cases involving counter-proliferation crimes, the terrorist watch list, or the no-fly list.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has updated its Enforcement and Removal Operations page for the fiscal year ending December 2024. Currently, 1,563 Sierra Leoneans from a total of 1,445,549 Countries of Citizenship are scheduled for imminent removal.

These noncitizen individuals and families do not have a legal basis to remain in the country. The data is independent, and the figures do not account for the ongoing immigration sweep.

Preview or Download the full List of 1,445,549 Countries of Citizenship scheduled for imminent removal Here:

Countries of Citizenship scheduled for imminent removal
 

Countries of citizenship scheduled for imminent removal: What does this mean in simple terms?

Listen, to Dr. Hyce Bull's audio on the 1,563 Sierra Leonean Citizens scheduled for imminent removal.

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“The main difference between a green card and American citizenship is the level of rights and responsibilities.”
— Source

Citizens have more rights and responsibilities than green card holders, including the right to vote and run for office.

Rights

  • Voting: Only citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections

  • Running for office: Only citizens can run for public office

  • Passport: Only citizens can get a U.S. passport

  • Deportation: Citizens are protected from deportation, while green card holders may be deported for certain crimes

  • Military service: Citizens are required to serve in the military or on a jury when called for duty

Responsibilities

  • Allegiance: Citizens have an obligation of allegiance to the United States

  • Taxes: Citizens may be able to claim foreign tax credits and avoid double taxation

Other differences

  • Green card holders must renew their green card every 10 years

  • Green card holders may lose their status for certain crimes or if they remain outside the country for too long

  • Green card holders may not be able to sponsor family members for green cards as easily as citizens

“ Footnote: Whether you’re living in the U.S. on a visa, waiting for permanent residency, or undocumented, savings, bank accounts, and retirement funds could be at serious risk if deportation becomes a reality.”
— Source: Watch the eye-opening video: 'What Happens to Your Assets and Savings If You Face Deportation?'
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