Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams: Episode Summary Episode Title: Why Trump’s Attack on Veterans Weakens America
Release Date: March 13, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, host Stacey Abrams delves into the critical issue of how the Trump administration's policies are adversely affecting America's veterans. Drawing from her personal family history and current events, Abrams sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on the fates of those who have served the nation.

Impact of the Trump Administration on Veterans Affairs (VA)

Stacey Abrams opens the episode by highlighting the historical struggles faced by veterans, referencing her grandfather’s service during World War II and the Korean War. She underscores the persistent challenges veterans confront despite their sacrifices, emphasizing the looming threat posed by recent administrative actions. Abrams states:

"America's veterans are being disproportionately impacted by the Trump administration's reckless attack on the federal government and by the silence of Republicans in office" (00:00).

She points to the VA's announcement of cutting nearly 80,000 staff members, exacerbating existing issues within the department. Additionally, Abrams connects these federal layoffs to broader actions by Elon Musk's team, which resulted in over 222,000 job cuts, further destabilizing support systems for veterans.

Discussion with Jason Kander: Understanding the VA and Its Challenges

Stacey Abrams is joined by Jason Kander, an Army veteran and former Secretary of State of Missouri, to unpack the gravity of the VA's restructuring.

Overview of the VA and Impact of Cuts

Kander explains the multifaceted role of the VA, emphasizing its responsibility for healthcare services and benefits administration:

"The VA is, for the most part, a particularly... the Veterans Health Administration is a massive healthcare operation... managing the benefits programs that are put in place by Congress" (06:07).

He challenges the administration's claim that frontline medical personnel are spared, revealing that policies mandating in-office work have already led to significant staffing reductions, directly affecting the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for veterans.

Veterans in the Federal Workforce and Broader Implications

Kander highlights that veterans constitute 30% of the federal workforce, with significant representation in departments like Homeland Security, Social Security, and the VA itself. Recent cuts not only strip veterans of their jobs but also diminish their sense of purpose and community:

"When you cut government jobs, especially those filled by veterans, you're not just affecting their income... they're going to lose their sense of mission and their sense of belonging" (17:04).

He warns that such political moves signal a broader disregard for veteran welfare, suggesting that if the administration can undermine support for veterans, other vulnerable groups may follow suit.

Clinical Trials and Medical Innovations at Risk

Abrams brings attention to a New York Times article detailing how VA cuts threaten vital clinical trials that have historically led to significant medical advancements. Kander emphasizes that the VA’s integrated healthcare system is a unique asset for medical research, contributing breakthroughs like the nicotine patch and transdermal therapies. The reduction in personnel jeopardizes ongoing research that benefits not only veterans but the wider population:

"The VA is the only central healthcare program fully administered by the United States government from end to end... innovations in so many other places have come from the military" (31:05).

Addressing Veteran Homelessness

Kander shares his experience leading the Veterans Community Project, which builds villages of tiny houses to transition homeless veterans into stable living conditions. He highlights the high success rate of their programs and stresses the importance of community-based solutions:

"Veterans Community Project... consistently runs at an 85% successful transition rate" (35:06).

Personal Insights and Mental Health Advocacy

Discussing his memoir, "Invisible Storm," Kander opens up about his struggles with PTSD and depression, advocating for greater access to mental health services. He shares a personal anecdote about overcoming anxiety related to medical procedures through therapy:

"The only way out is through... It is through therapy" (35:53).

Advice for Listeners

Kander advises listeners to focus on actionable support rather than being overwhelmed by the administration's negative actions. He emphasizes the importance of making informed efforts to counteract harmful policies and fostering resilience:

"Figure out where you can make an impact and focus on that" (38:44).

GOP Silence and Political Implications

Abrams addresses the silence of the Republican Party regarding the VA cuts, questioning the lack of response from GOP lawmakers. She references a town hall where Senator Roger Marshall avoided addressing the impact on veterans, illustrating the broader issue of political inaction:

"Senator Marshall fully avoided his constituent questions and chose to end the town hall rather than answer" (26:51).

Kander critiques the GOP's approach, attributing it to a misguided belief in unregulated capitalism and a lack of understanding of veterans' needs:

"They fundamentally believe that if you were any damn good at all, you would be working in the private sector" (28:36).

Discussion with Layla Ireland: Trans Veterans and DEI Policies

Retired Army veteran Layla Ireland joins the conversation to shed light on how transgender service members are specifically targeted under the Trump administration's policies.

Transgender Service Members Under Attack

Ireland details the escalation of anti-DEI policies in the Trump administration, highlighting executive orders that undermine inclusivity within the military. She describes the emotional and professional toll these policies take on trans service members:

"These policies do not merely impact those directly targeted. They degrade the overall effectiveness, integrity, and global standing in the US and the armed forces" (50:00).

Personal Experiences and Advocacy

Ireland shares her experiences serving during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era and the ongoing struggles faced by trans veterans. She advocates for the continued inclusion and recognition of trans service members:

"Trans service members just want to continue serving. They want to be able to keep using the skills that the military and this nation has invested in them" (51:48).

Recommendations for Supporting Trans Veterans

Ireland urges allies, particularly those on the left, to communicate policies clearly and assertively to counteract anti-trans rhetoric. She emphasizes the need for inclusive policies that respect and protect all service members:

"We need to communicate their benefits in a way that’s both compelling and accessible to the general public" (53:55).

Actionable Toolkit for Listeners

In the episode's concluding segment, Abrams provides listeners with practical steps to support veterans:

1. Get Support: Engage with organizations like the Veterans Community Project (cp.org) and Sparta Pride (spartapride.org), which offer essential resources and support for veterans, including transgender service members.

2. Use Your Resources: Veterans facing layoffs can seek assistance through platforms like publicservicealliance.com.

3. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with reliable news sources such as the Associated Press and the New York Times to understand ongoing changes affecting the federal workforce and veteran services.

Conclusion

This episode of Assembly Required powerfully highlights the multifaceted attacks on veterans under the Trump administration, particularly focusing on workforce reductions, healthcare service cuts, and targeted discrimination against transgender service members. Through insightful discussions with Jason Kander and Layla Ireland, Stacey Abrams underscores the urgent need for civic action, informed advocacy, and unwavering support for those who have dedicated their lives to serving America.

Notable Quotes

• Stacey Abrams:
  "We are quickly approaching one of those moments again, which is why on today's show, I want to talk about veterans..." (00:00).
  "This is a ludicrous suggestion that these cuts will not have a negative, harmful impact on the quality of care and support provided to our vets." (08:21).

• Jason Kander:
  "The real problem with the VA starts with Congress." (06:09).
  "If you do it based on whether Congress is letting them do whatever they want, you're going to have a pretty miserable four years." (38:39).
  "The only way out is through." (35:53).

• Layla Ireland:
  "Trans service members just want to continue serving." (51:48).
  "If you can see me as equal, then I've done my job by sharing that message with everyone." (57:18).

Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript markers but may not align perfectly with the podcast's actual timing.