At a recent press conference, President Donald Trump was questioned about whether any federal agencies or programs would be exempt from Elon Musk’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency interventions. Trump assured that Social Security would remain untouched, reiterating a commitment he has maintained for years. Despite his inclination to dramatically change government operations, Trump recognizes that Social Security benefits are indispensable for seniors.
Despite these assurances, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has started making changes at the Social Security Administration. Musk has gained attention with claims about supposed “vampires” fraudulently collecting Social Security payments. DOGE has begun inserting its personnel into senior roles at the administration, including individuals linked to controversial past statements and those with a prioritization of cuts over problem-solving.
The initial actions by DOGE, including eliminating 41 positions and closing at least 10 local offices, initially went under the radar. Social Security beneficiaries depend heavily on in-person services, so the office closures, affecting areas from rural West Virginia to Las Vegas, could majorly impact access, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the retired, disabled, and children in poverty.
The Social Security Administration has over 1,200 regional and field offices, making up a significant portion of federal offices nationwide. With 119,000 visitors each day, many of whom require assistance in navigating complex processes and applying for related services like Medicare, accessibility is crucial. However, further closures could disproportionately affect low-income individuals with limited education, impacting their ability to receive essential benefits.
The White House press office did not respond to requests for comment, but press secretary Karoline Leavitt rebuffed claims of critical changes, stating that Musk’s focus was on rooting out fraud. Seventeen million recipients of Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance, many of whom are politically underrepresented, face lengthy wait times for assistance. The agency’s staffing levels are at a 50-year low due to budget constraints over the past decade.
Beneficiaries in rural areas remain concerned about proposed changes, fearing further reductions could harm their ability to receive assistance. For instance, Bryan Dooley, a disabled individual from North Carolina, shared the struggles of potentially losing his benefits due to administrative errors and possible office closures affecting his ability to challenge decisions.
In White Plains, New York, one of the closure sites, beneficiaries across seven counties face significant travel burdens to access services elsewhere, potentially complicating their ability to receive assistance. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pressed for clarity regarding further closures, but the Social Security Administration has not addressed these inquiries directly. A spokesperson confirmed that some hearings would be conducted virtually due to these changes.
Elon Musk’s DOGE began its administrative capture of the Social Security Administration by promoting Leland Dudek to acting commissioner. Dudek admits to previously providing DOGE with internal information and assured staff that priority remains on efficiently delivering critical services. Nonetheless, DOGE appears to be more cautious with employment cuts at the agency compared to other departments, focusing layoffs on less immediately public-facing roles.
Regional staff, whose roles include resolving more complex beneficiary issues, have not yet been targeted by layoffs but express concern about potential future reductions. The agency’s union representative, Jessica LaPointe, believes that creating conditions for voluntary employment departure may be part of an implicit strategy to reduce staff.
Meanwhile, agency morale remains low, as indicated by employee surveys citing overwork. As Social Security’s beneficiary population continues to grow, maintaining current staffing levels could strain the program’s ability to function effectively.
Former Commissioner Martin O’Malley and other experts fear that gradual reductions could undermine the program, potentially during a lengthy administration under Trump and Musk. Despite efforts to simplify benefit application processes under previous leadership, these initiatives have been hampered by administrative transitions under DOGE.
Future program stability may depend on the direction taken by Frank Bisignano, Trump’s nominee for permanent commissioner, known for his cost-cutting record in the private sector. Bisignano has yet to undergo confirmation hearings, leaving questions about his approach to managing Social Security unanswered.
