A Southern Nevada man and military veteran is speaking out after being terminated from his federal job as part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-cutting measures.
Veteran Loses Job After 20+ Years of Public Service
Who is Mark Wagstaff?
- Served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, honorably discharged as a sergeant.
- Worked as a federal employee for six years, first at the Department of Defense, then promoted to Administrative Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Nevada.
What Happened?
- Two weeks ago, Wagstaff was terminated under orders from President Trump and DOGE.
- He was one of thousands of probationary government workers dismissed without severance.
Wagstaff’s Reaction:
“It felt like you just walked in, and they said, ‘Oh, we don’t want you no more.’”
Trump & Musk’s Government Downsizing Strategy
DOGE’s Goal:
- Reduce federal workforce & spending by eliminating 15% of “waste and fraud.”
- President Trump aims to reach $1 trillion in government savings.
Trump’s Statement:
“We’ve cut billions and billions and billions of dollars. We are looking to get it maybe to a trillion dollars.”
Musk’s Statement:
“DOGE is helping departments find 15% in reductions and fraud.”
Who Is Being Affected?
- Government workers fired in mass layoffs
- Many were probationary employees (hired or promoted in the last year)
Wagstaff on the layoffs:
“We want America to succeed, but at the same time, we want you to do it the right way—not tear us down like we’re less than human.”
No Severance, No 401K Access, and Uncertain Future
Financial Struggles:
- No severance offered
- Locked out of his government email
- Denied access to his 401K funds (pending review)
Wagstaff’s Plea:
“It’s not just my story. It’s every other American’s story.”
How You Can Help:
- Wagstaff has started a GoFundMe campaign titled “A Veteran In Need” to cover living expenses.
