Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General, has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief against the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The collective aims to halt what they describe as erratic management under Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, which may endanger benefits for millions of Americans.
Filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the brief supports plaintiffs in the case American Association of People with Disabilities v. Dudek, seeking an injunction. Raoul critiques the current administration's measures, stating, “The Trump administration claims that it’s making the Social Security Administration more efficient, but in reality, these seemingly-arbitrary layoffs and office closures are throwing it into chaos.”
The plaintiffs argue that recent staffing cuts and restructuring by the SSA and DOGE infringe upon both the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and constitutional amendments, affecting the SSA’s ability to assist disabled beneficiaries. Raoul and his coalition echo these claims, indicating that around 2,800 employees have exited, and more cuts loom. A significant reduction in personnel has resulted in longer waits at SSA offices and delayed phone support, amid website troubles due to Office of Transformation layoffs.
Highlighting the vital role of Social Security, Raoul, alongside the coalition, emphasizes its importance in covering basic necessities and enabling access to additional safety net programs. Survey results from the National Academy of Social Insurance suggest that 42% of individuals aged 65 and older would struggle to afford needs without Social Security income, which many rely on for a substantial portion of their financial support.
Raoul's action is in conjunction with attorneys general from multiple states, including Arizona, California, and New York, aiming to protect the Social Security system from administrative upheaval.