Social Security Administration Cuts Ties with Maine as Political Tensions Rise
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently terminated contracts with the state of Maine, allegedly as a response to a political dispute between Democratic Governor Janet Mills and former President Donald Trump.
Information obtained by the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee reveals that Leland Dudek, acting commissioner of the SSA, ordered the cancellation of these contracts. Dudek’s intent to penalize Gov. Mills was evident in his emails. He explicitly instructed, “Please cancel the contracts,” noting that this decision could increase improper payments and identity fraud but justified it as a reaction to what he referred to as a “petulant child.”
The incident traces back to a February summit for state governors, where a confrontation occurred between Mills and Trump. The discussion was centered around Trump’s executive order banning transgender women from participating in school sports. While Trump urged compliance, Mills stood firm on adhering to state and federal laws, culminating in a bold remark, “see you in court.”
Following the summit, Trump took to social media, demanding an apology from Mills, who chose not to respond publicly.
The SSA’s contracts typically assist state agencies with various Social Security-related functions, such as aiding disabled individuals in securing benefits and enhancing state programs for additional support. The canceled contracts primarily deal with record-keeping, which could lead to challenges in issuing Social Security numbers to newborns and removing deceased individuals from the system, potentially fostering increased fraud and erroneous benefit disbursements.
Maine is notably home to the oldest population in the United States, with nearly 22% of its residents aged 65 or older.
The cancellation sparked a response from Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, the Democratic ranking member of the House Oversight Committee. In a letter, Connolly criticized Dudek’s actions, stating, “The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration should serve the American people, not create waste, fraud, and abuse on the taxpayer’s dime.” He urged Dudek to resign and requested his participation in a transcribed interview with the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The SSA has yet to provide a statement regarding the situation, as their spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The original report, Social Security cuts Maine contracts amid Trump feud with governor, is available on American Journal News.
