Attorney General Dan Rayfield, joined by 20 other states, has filed an amicus brief supporting an injunction aimed at halting what they describe as erratic and unlawful practices at the Social Security Administration (SSA). These practices, led by acting administrator Leland Dudek and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are said to threaten the stability of Social Security payments for millions of beneficiaries.
The brief, submitted in the American Association of People with Disabilities v. Dudek case in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, targets layoffs and management decisions that allegedly jeopardize SSA's ability to provide essential services. "When Elon Musk’s meddling puts the stability of this critical system at risk, we can’t just sit back," Rayfield stated. "The people who depend on Social Security – older adults, veterans, and disabled – deserve more than a game of chance with their futures. We’re demanding real accountability to put a stop to this mess."
Critics argue that Dudek and DOGE have introduced Silicon Valley's disruptive strategies to the SSA, resulting in chaos. This includes sudden policy announcements that are quickly reversed, as well as planned office closures that are later rescinded. The agency's capability to deliver core services has been compromised by indiscriminate layoffs, and no coherent explanation has been provided for these actions other than citing unproven claims of fraud, waste, and abuse.
Notably, Elon Musk has raised claims, refuted by SSA's Inspector General, that characterize the SSA as excessively wasteful; allegations suggest $100 billion in improper payments. Former President Donald Trump has also propagated misinformation regarding the SSA, which has been debunked. Dudek has specifically denied assertions about deceased individuals receiving benefits.
Staff reductions are exacerbating the SSA's inefficiencies, resulting in longer queues at field offices and extended wait times for phone support. Approximately 2,800 staff have left through retirement or early buyouts, with DOGE planning further reductions. These staffing cuts coincide with operational delays, such as those affecting online services due to layoffs within the Office of Transformation.
Social Security benefits are critical for many, providing funds for basic needs and linking recipients to other essential programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim the SSA's staffing and reorganization measures violate multiple statutes, including section 504(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Administrative Procedure Act, and both the First and Fifth Amendments. Their legal action seeks a preliminary injunction.
The attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington have joined Rayfield in support of this brief.