Elon Musk's Oversight of Social Security Sparks Concerns Over Workforce Cuts

Planned reductions to Social Security Administration staff under Musk's Department of Government Efficiency raise fears of service disruption for millions of Americans.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) plans to cut 12% of its workforce, amounting to approximately 7,000 jobs, under directives from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Critics warn that these cuts could lead to longer wait times for services, delays in benefit processing, and increased barriers for older adults and individuals with disabilities accessing essential benefits.
Former SSA officials and advocates argue that the reductions and Musk's leadership could undermine public trust in Social Security, which remains one of the most trusted government programs in the U.S.
Musk and Trump have claimed widespread fraud in Social Security, but official reports indicate that improper payments account for only 1% of the program's disbursements.
Concerns are growing over the potential privatization of SSA functions, with experts cautioning that such moves could increase costs and further destabilize the agency's operations.