The leading Democrat on the U.S. House Oversight Committee urged for the resignation of Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Leland Dudik on Wednesday. This followed revelations from internal emails showing that the SSA terminated agreements with the state of Maine due to alleged political retaliation after Democratic Governor Janet Mills openly opposed President Trump’s stance. Donald Trump supporting transgender student athletes
The emails, acquired by House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), reveal that Dudek instructed the termination of the enumeration at birth and electronic death registration agreements with Maine. Despite warnings from SSAd staff members indicating this could lead to incorrect disbursements and an increased risk of identity theft, these instructions were issued.
"These emails confirm that the Trump administration is intentionally creating waste and the opportunity for fraud."
Dudek, who is heading the SSA as the Senate deliberates over Trump's matter, nomination Of the financial services executive Frank Bisignano—a response was sent back to the staff member: “Kindly terminate the contracts. Even though our incorrect payments might increase, and identity thieves could take advantage, no funds will move from the public trust to what essentially amounts to a spoiled kid.”
He was alluding to Mills, who stood up to Trump In February, following the president’s threat to halt federal funds to Maine if the state didn’t prohibit transgender girls and women from competing on female scholastic sports teams.
The end of the birth registration agreement temporarily required Maine parents to enroll their infants for a Social Security number at a Social Security office instead of simply ticking a box on a form at the hospital, prior to this change by the SSA. reversed its decision.
Connolly sent Dudek a letter insisting that he step down right away and undergo an interviewed conducted by House Oversight Committee Democrats, which should be recorded. Connolly stated that Dudek “instructed these agreements to cease” out of direct reprisal for Mills’ refusal, despite being aware that this action would lead to more incorrect disbursements and provide chances for scammers.
Supporters of government oversight similarly denounced Dudek's behavior.
These emails show that the Trump administration deliberately generated inefficiency and potential fraud—specifically to penalise Maine Governor Janet Mills for refusing to submit to Donald Trump’s demands, Social Security Works president Nancy Altman told Common Dreams .
She went on to say that those truly affected by these measures were worn-out new parents in Maine, who found themselves compelled to bring their infants to overpopulated Social Security centers amid a measles epidemic. Thankfully, following significant public outcry, the Trump administration was swiftly obliged to change direction. However, it’s evident that Trump feels at ease using Social Security as a tool for politics, and we worry that this might just be the start of something more.
Once more, we observe Team Trump using retaliation as a means to shape domestic policy.
Max Richtman, who serves as both the president and CEO of the National Committee for Preserving Social Security and Medicare, stated Common Dreams We are not at all surprised that this administration would use Social Security as a tool against those who disagree with or challenge President Trump.
One of our worries is regarding Elon Musk and [the Department of Government Efficiency ] having access Without any justifiable reason explaining why they require it,” he went on. “Both we and the American citizens have valid concerns—not only that this data might be susceptible to hacking, but also that it could potentially be deliberately abused as a tool against those who openly disagree with Trump.”
The reality that even the acting commissioner openly confessed his lack of understanding regarding the Maine contract yet still proceeded with its cancellation underscores an administration engaged in hasty alterations impacting actual individuals without justifiable cause," Richtman noted further. "Yet again, we observe Team Trump leveraging retaliation as a means to shape domestic policies.
The unveiling of Dudek's emails emerges amidst SSA chaos triggered by the termination Of thousands of agency staff members, according to claims by Trump, Musk, and other Republicans, this is purportedly part of an initiative aimed at cutting down on waste and fraud. Musk—who has recently referred to The social security system, referred to as the "largest Ponzi scheme ever" — has suggested reducing the SSA staff by up to 50%, and indicated that approximately $700 billion might be slashed from initiatives such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
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