Martin O’Malley, a former Commissioner of the SSA, has warned that millions of Americans could face interruptions in their Social Security benefits. This is after the recent controversial staff cuts, closure of offices, and changes that have caused uncertainty over its future.
A Dire Warning from a Former Commissioner
Martin O’Malley, who led the Social Security Administration from December 2023 to November 2024, has issued a stark warning about the future of Social Security benefits under the Trump administration. In an interview recently, he said,
“I think for the first time in 90 years, we’re going to see an interruption of benefits. I hope that doesn’t happen, but I believe it will.”
O’Malley emphasized that the root cause of this threat lies in the staff cuts being enforced under the Department of Government Efficiency, commonly referred to as DOGE — a controversial initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk.
What DOGE Is Doing to Social Security
The Trump-backed DOGE initiative is targeting the SSA’s workforce of roughly 60,000 employees for major reductions. Musk’s young DOGE disciples have been posted in SSA conference rooms and reportedly have sought access to sensitive payment information.”
Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) didn’t hold back her criticism. She said, “Make no mistake: Trump and Elon are breaking Social Security to enrich themselves. It’s seniors who will pay the price.”
The Risks Are Real and They’re Technological Too
SSA systems already operate using fragile, decades-old software. According to the Government Accountability Office, the agency still relies on COBOL, a programming language developed in 1959, and has previously had to rehire retired staff to maintain its critical systems.
O’Malley added that during his time in office, the SSA experienced two major system outages due to the strain of modern tasks on legacy infrastructure.
Acting SSA Head Confirms the Shakeup
Leland Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced a sweeping restructuring that includes significant workforce reductions. In an internal memo obtained, Dudek said the changes are meant to fix a “customer service crisis” at the SSA:
“The changes we implement acknowledge the urgent customer service crisis we face and are determined to fix.”
He added: “For our dedicated staff and every American we serve, these difficult decisions are not setbacks but opportunities to create a more efficient, accountable, and responsive government.”
Despite these reassurances, Dudek also placed two dozen senior staff on leave and revealed plans to consolidate regional offices, moves that have sparked further worry about service disruptions.
O’Malley’s Latest Warning: “Start Saving Now”
In a more recent interview, O’Malley doubled down on his concerns: He said, “Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits. I believe you will see that within the next 30 to 90 days.” He didn’t mince words about the urgency of the situation as he advised that people should start saving now.”
Musk’s Controversial Comments on Social Security
Elon Musk has drawn additional scrutiny for his recent remarks on Social Security.
In a recent interview, Elon Musk labeled Social Security as a Ponzi scheme, and this controversial statement sparked controversy among advocates and recipients of Social Security. The remarks also intensified fears that DOGE, under the leadership of Elon Musk, might be against preserving the stability of the program that has served Americans for decades.
Current Situation of Social Security
Today, over 73 million people rely on the Social Security Administration for their monthly benefits. This number also includes 56 million seniors who heavily rely on Social Security monthly checks for their upkeep. Therefore, any unexpected delay or interruption in these payments could cause massive financial distress for millions of them.
While no official disruption has been announced by the SSA, the warnings from former commissioners and other workers, in addition to the recent staff reductions and office closures, leave Americans wondering if there is an impending crisis that could end Social Security.