Introduction to the Crisis at Social Security

The Social Security system is facing unprecedented challenges following the involvement of a team from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, according to Leland Dudek, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration. In a closed-door meeting, Dudek expressed his concerns about the potential collapse of the system, stating, "I don’t want the system to collapse," and emphasized that it "would be catastrophic for the people in our country" if the changes proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were to be implemented.

The Current State of Social Security

Dudek’s comments provide a unique insight into the thinking of a top agency official during the volatile early days of the second Trump administration. The Washington Post initially reported Dudek’s acknowledgement of DOGE’s influence over Social Security, quoting several of his statements. However, the full recording of the meeting reveals the extent of Dudek’s concerns, including the actions taken by DOGE and the input he has received from the White House. When asked why he wouldn’t more forcefully refute President Trump’s false claims about widespread Social Security fraud, Dudek replied, "So we published, for the record, what was actually the numbers there on our website. This is dealing with — have you ever worked with someone who’s manic-depressive?"

The Impact of DOGE on Social Security

Throughout the meeting, Dudek made alarming statements about the perils facing the Social Security system, often in an informal and discursive manner. He expressed uncertainty about the ultimate fate of the nation’s largest social program, which serves 73 million Americans. Dudek asked, "Are we going to break something? I don’t know." However, he also stated, "They’re learning. Let people learn. They’re going to make mistakes." Dudek’s comments embody the dramatic shifts in life as a public servant under DOGE. He has been a midlevel analyst for 25 years, working in various federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, where he focused on information technology, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention.

The Changes at Social Security

Dudek was unexpectedly promoted to acting commissioner in February, after being put on leave for sharing information with DOGE. At the time, he seemed committed to the DOGE agenda, but now, only weeks into his tenure, he is taking a more ambivalent stance toward DOGE and Trump. Dudek framed his recent choices as "the president’s" agenda, including planned cuts of at least 7,000 Social Security employees, buyouts, and early retirement offered to the entire staff. He also mentioned cuts to disability determination services, the dissolution of a team working to improve the user experience of the Social Security website, and the reduction of the agency’s footprint across the country.

The White House’s Involvement

Dudek stated, "I work for the president. I need to do what the president tells me to do." He added, "I’ve had to make some tough choices, choices I didn’t agree with, but the president wanted it and I did it." Dudek also said that "I don’t want to fire anyone" but that "a lot of the structural changes that you’ve seen me make at headquarters, I’ve had long conversations with the White House about, and the DOGE team." He emphasized that the president has an agenda, and as a political appointee, he needs to follow it.

The Effect of Trump’s Claims

Dudek dismissed Trump’s claims about Social Security fraud, stating that there are indeed 110-year-old and older people in one of the Social Security databases, but they are "not in pay status" — they’re not actually being paid benefits. He explained that these are records that were never bothered with. However, Dudek and his deputies seemed hesitant to publicly resist Trump’s misstatements. A spokesperson noted that they were proud of a recent press release that mildly contradicted some of the false claims.

The Future of Social Security

Dudek’s remarks come at a time when many Social Security employees are feeling confused about Dudek, his role versus DOGE’s, and what it all means for the future of the Social Security Administration. According to ProPublica’s conversations with more than two dozen agency staffers, many said that the recent cuts at the agency have been carried out in a piecemeal fashion, and the public doesn’t seem to grasp the totality of what is happening to the program. The layoffs and looming specter of potentially thousands more employees taking a buyout have meant even less attention to the complicated casework of low-income elderly people and people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

The Impact of DOGE on Social Security Services

DOGE has actually undermined the efficiency of Social Security’s delivery of services in multiple ways, many employees said. Under DOGE, several Social Security IT contracts have been canceled or scaled back, resulting in tech systems crashing nearly every day and leading to more delays in serving beneficiaries. Front-line Social Security staff have been restricted from using their government purchase cards for any sum above $1, which has become a significant problem at some field offices.

Dudek’s Concerns and Expectations

In the meeting, Dudek was asked about many of the organizational changes, including the closure and consolidation of regional offices and the cuts to the part of the agency that helps evaluate disability claims. He stated that these decisions were made at the administration level and might not have been his first preference. Dudek said, "I work for the president. DOGE is part of that." He also expressed his desire to bulk up resources for field offices and customer service, even as front-line workers received buyout offers.

Conclusion

Dudek’s remarks provide a unique insight into the challenges facing the Social Security system. He emphasized his desire for constructive feedback and open conversation, as he cares deeply about the Social Security Administration and the people it serves. Despite his efforts, Dudek will eventually be replaced by Frank Bisignano, Trump’s long-term pick to run the Social Security Administration. As Dudek said, "I’m the villain. I’m not going to have a job after this. I get it."