In Phoenix, Attorney General Kris Mayes has expressed strong opposition to recent cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which have resulted in the termination of several Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) therapists in Arizona. These terminations are part of a broader initiative led by Donald Trump and Elon Musk to reduce federal services, affecting over 1,400 VA employees nationwide.
“These cuts are outrageous,” said Attorney General Kris Mayes. “Veterans in Arizona already struggle to access the care they deserve, and now an unelected billionaire and a wannabe dictator have decided even the status quo was too much help. Firing VA therapists, including those helping veterans manage PTSD and chronic pain, is not only cruel—it’s dangerous.”
One of those affected is Kristin Fray, a music therapist at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. She utilized music therapy to assist veterans dealing with anxiety, pain, and post-traumatic stress.
To address these issues directly with those impacted, Attorney General Mayes will host a town hall meeting as part of a national series called Community Impact Hearings. This event aims to provide veterans and their families with an opportunity to share their experiences regarding the federal firings and DOGE cuts.
The first hearing is scheduled for March 5th at 6 PM at Central High School Gymnasium in Phoenix. Those interested in attending must RSVP online.
“These firings are a betrayal of our veterans, plain and simple,” Attorney General Mayes continued. “I won’t stand by while billionaires in Washington, D.C., rip away vital care from those who served our great nation to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. I urge everyone impacted by the Trump-Musk cuts to attend our upcoming hearing and make their voices heard.”
Further details about the hearings can be found on azag.gov.