Musk-Led Budget Cuts Threaten Social Security Stability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is facing substantial budget cuts under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which could lead to significant service disruptions. These measures, including workforce reductions and office closures, aim to achieve $800 million in savings, but critics, such as former SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley, warn they could cause a system collapse within 30 to 90 days, potentially interrupting benefits for over 73 million Americans. The cuts are part of a broader government downsizing effort initiated by President Donald Trump, despite rising SSA workloads from increasing retirees. Concerns are mounting over the impact on service quality, with delays and challenges anticipated, especially for those without reliable internet access. Amid protests from federal worker unions, early retirement and voluntary separation incentives are being offered to reduce staff from 57,000 to 50,000 employees.