...
By Hugh Cameron
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A former Social Security commissioner has warned that the Trump administration's approach to chasing waste and abuse in the insurance program could lead to significant delays in processing claims.
During a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing on Tuesday, former Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O'Malley said that the Department of Government Efficiency's actions could result in "intermittent interruptions" in applications that process benefits claims.
"You're going to see them go down. In fact, I think today they were down for three hours," O'Malley, a Democrat, said. "They're going to happen more frequently, and then in the weeks ahead, you're going to see them lasting a longer period of time instead of just down for three hours you'll see them getting to three days."
Read More on U.S.
Why It Matters
Potential disruptions to Social Security payments and the impact on beneficiaries have been among the key concerns as DOGE continues its efforts to identify and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse within federal government spending.
What To Know
Since its establishment via executive order on January 20, DOGE has focused much of its efforts on Social Security. De facto chief Elon Musk called it "the biggest ponzi scheme of all time " and claimed that an examination of its databases had revealed widespread fraud.
The nongovernmental body's actions so far have included staffing cuts and office closures, which The Washington Post reported had resulted in overloaded servers and prevented employees from effectively serving recipients.
...
DOGE has also sought access to databases maintained by the SSA, which administers programs that offer financial assistance to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers.
Its attempt to access sensitive data has resulted in legal challenges and internal disputes at the SSA. Acting Commissioner Michelle King resigned from her post after refusing to grant the requested access.
DOGE has claimed that it has uncovered substantial fraud within the Social Security system; Musk stated that more than 7 million Social Security numbers lacking registered death confirmations have now been updated in SSA systems.
However, critics contend that DOGE employees lack the expertise needed to identify fraud within the complex government entitlement programs—an area traditionally overseen by the SSA's inspectors general—which could potentially disrupt the legitimate distribution of benefits.
What People Are Saying
Former SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley, during his testimony on Tuesday: "I believe the Musk-Trump co-presidency has already taken 90 percent of the actions necessary to crater this agency. And this is the chronology you'll see unfolding in the weeks ahead. You've already seen it in the weeks behind."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a statement to ABC News: "Any American receiving Social Security benefits will continue to receive them. The sole mission of DOGE is to identify waste, fraud, and abuse only."
The Senate Democratic Caucus, in a statement released March 25: "As Elon Musk calls Social Security 'the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,' his team at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency is crippling the agency, gutting up to 12% of its staff, shuttering local and regional offices, and hindering phone services for beneficiaries. All combined, the agency will be far less efficient, causing fears of late and missed checks and dangerous effects to those disabled and rural seniors who need aid the most.
"Make no mistake: this is a cut to benefits. Even as Donald Trump has repeatedly promised that 'we're not touching Social Security.'"
What Happens Next
Musk announced plans to step down from his position as head of the DOGE by the end of May, stating that he expects to achieve his goal of reducing federal spending by $1 trillion within that time frame.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines