Former Social Security Administrator Warns DOGE Cuts Mean System Will ‘Collapse’ in ‘Next 30 to 90 Days’
(AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley warned the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cuts will trigger a catastrophic “collapse” of the Social Security system “within the next 30 to 90 days.”
O’Malley, a longtime fixture in Democratic politics, told CNBC.com that DOGE will cause disaster for millions of Americans relying on their benefits.
“Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits,” he said. “I believe you will see that within the next 30 to 90 days.”
The comments come as the Social Security Administration (SSA), responsible for delivering checks to more than 72.5 million Americans, has faced staffing cuts and budget reductions spearheaded by DOGE.
O’Malley claimed these cuts have already triggered intermittent IT outages, warning that they will likely increase until a full system failure occurs.
“People should start saving now,” he warned.
While O’Malley resigned his post in November to run for Democratic National Committee chair, a race which he lost, changes at the agency have already claimed some of his ranking former colleagues.
Acting Commissioner Michelle King resigned following a dispute over DOGE’s access to sensitive SSA data. Her temporary replacement, Lee Dudek, was placed on administrative leave after cooperating with DOGE representatives. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has tapped Fiserv CEO Frank Bisignano to take over as commissioner, though he has yet to face Senate confirmation.
With the agency in turmoil, critics are expressing concerns are that there could be delays in the disbursement of benefits. Union officials warn that processing delays for new claims, particularly for disability and survivor benefits, could be significant.
O’Malley also told CNBC.com that Social Security failure would prompt backlash against the Trump administration: “I think many people throughout the country are going to start bringing a lot of heat to members of Congress who have been facilitating, supporting, aiding and abetting the breaking of their Social Security and the interruption of benefits that they work their whole lives to earn. These are earned benefits.”
