Protest Rallies in Ann Arbor Over Changes to Veterans Affairs Policies
On Wednesday afternoon, a group of approximately 80 demonstrators gathered outside the Veteran Affairs medical center in Ann Arbor. Their primary focus was to voice concerns over the welfare of veterans and employees within the federal system responsible for veterans’ benefits.
As the protest unfolded, passing motorists expressed their support by honking, acknowledging the protesters who were displaying banners against the termination of union contracts by the Trump administration.
Robert Malash, president of the local AFGE 2092 union, emphasized the group’s aim to push Congress toward passing legislation that could potentially overturn an executive order that ended these contracts.
The demonstrators also called for the federal government to reverse budget reductions at the VA and reinstate thousands of employees terminated nationwide. According to the Trump administration, these budget cuts and contract terminations were intended to cut costs and enhance VA employees’ job performance, as stated in a press release.
Malash remarked on the constitutional protection afforded to union organizing, asserting that the actions taken by the administration were “anti-American.”
“We believe it’s a constitutional right, and without due process, we believe that we can’t stand up for veterans the way we need to,” Malash stated.
The demonstrators intentionally chose the medical center as their location to show support for Ann Arbor’s VA staff, according to Malash.
“There are millions of people out there in America that still support bargaining unit rights,” he added.
Michigan hosts over 500,000 veterans, based on a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The region, known as the Great Lakes area, employs more than 21,000 VA workers.
The demonstration was organized by Ann Arbor Indivisible, VA Union groups, and the Huron Valley Area Labor Federation, all of which oppose Trump’s policies.
Michelle Deatrick, a member of the labor federation and a military family, expressed her worries. “My dad, my brother, my uncle, my cousins — they rely on these services, these health services, for their physical and their mental wellbeing,” Deatrick said. “This administration is going after federal workers now, but it’s gonna be everyone else next.”
Meanwhile, Christopher Arbino, acting communications chief for VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, stated that President Trump is prioritizing veterans. He noted that 17 new clinics had been opened under Trump’s tenure, and the administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget aims to significantly increase the VA’s funding.
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