Social Security Administration At ‘Risk Of Collapse’ After DOGE Cuts, Former Head Martin O’Malley Warns

The former head of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Martin O’Malley, has issued another dire warning that the program is facing an unprecedented threat and could collapse within the next 30 to 90 days.

His grim prediction comes as the Trump administration aggressively pushes forward with plans to shrink the federal government, particularly targeting the SSA under the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by billionaire Elon Musk.

“Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits. People should start saving now,” O’Malley recently told CNBC.

The SSA has provided financial security for millions of people for nearly 100 years. Currently, over 72.5 million Americans rely on the program. DOGE’s restructuring efforts have led to staff reductions, IT failures and office closures, which could soon lead to the interruption of monthly payments toward those who depend on Social Security for retirement and disability income. 

Former Acting Commissioner Michelle King resigned abruptly last month after clashing with DOGE over access to sensitive data. The Trump administration has since nominated Frank Bisignano, the CEO of Fiserv, a financial technology firm. However, he has not been confirmed, and Trump loyalist Leland Dudek is currently in his place.

During a recent meeting, Dudek instructed management to plan to eliminate half of the workforce at SSA headquarters and in regional offices. The DOGE website has documented ongoing office closures across the country as part of its “Wall of Receipts,” which tracks agency cuts.

The risk of a shutdown has sparked outrage among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Rep. John Larson (D-Connecticut) denounced the layoffs as a “backdoor benefit cut.” He warned that “laying off half of the workforce at the Social Security Administration and shuttering field offices will mean the delay, disruption, and denial of benefits.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) condemned DOGE’s actions as an assault on Social Security.