The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration issued a warning on Friday regarding a potential shutdown of the agency's system, later retracting the statement after a judge clarified the court's order.
Leland Dudek, the acting commissioner, expressed his concerns during interviews with several news outlets, following a judge's ruling that restricted Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency team from accessing sensitive agency records.
In the interviews, Mr. Dudek interpreted the ruling as potentially necessitating the shutdown of the agency’s operational system, citing his affiliation with DOGE and the impact on agency employees. He stated, "At the very least, it means shutting down my broad unit, the C.I.O. and general counsel," indicating that he felt unable to manage the agency under these circumstances.
However, Mr. Dudek later confirmed that he would adhere to the court’s directives and had already revoked access for DOGE personnel as required, awaiting further judicial guidance.
The implications of a potential agency shutdown raised concerns among lawmakers and advocates for beneficiaries, with many emphasizing the critical role Social Security plays in the financial stability of millions of Americans. John Hishta, a senior official at AARP, noted that "Social Security has never missed a payment," urging the commissioner to prioritize timely benefit distribution.
By Friday afternoon, Judge Ellen Hollander of the Federal District Court for the District of Maryland clarified that Mr. Dudek had misinterpreted her previous order. The judge had prohibited the agency’s senior officials from granting Mr. Musk and his team unrestricted access to agency data systems while allowing continued collaboration with proper privacy precautions.
Judge Hollander expressed confusion regarding Mr. Dudek's interpretation, stating, "Such assertions about the scope of the order are inaccurate," and confirming that employees not involved with the DOGE Team would retain their access.
Following the judge's guidance, Mr. Dudek acknowledged the error and confirmed that the agency would remain operational, asserting support for maintaining Social Security services.
This incident highlights the turbulent period since Mr. Dudek's appointment as acting commissioner, during which he has initiated significant changes within the agency, including proposed staffing cuts and procedural alterations. He expressed a commitment to protecting the Social Security system, acknowledging past mistakes in collaboration with DOGE officials.
Mr. Dudek’s position may be temporary, as the Senate is set to hold hearings on Tuesday to consider Frank Bisignano for the role of new commissioner.