US Social Security Administration is laying off 7,000 employees
What's the story
In a major move, the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it will be slashing its workforce by more than 12% or 7,000 jobs.
The step comes as part of the Donald Trump administration's larger plan to downsize the federal workforce.
The SSA also plans to cut its regional offices from 10 to just four.
Staffing target
SSA's workforce reduction and its implications
The SSA, which currently employs some 57,000 people, hopes to reach a staffing target of around 50,000.
The agency provides benefits to some 73 million retired and disabled Americans every month.
Traditionally immune to budget cuts by US politicians, the SSA is now staring at drastic cuts under President Trump's administration.
Resignations
Senior staff resignations follow SSA's announcement
Notably, the announcement of job cuts has already prompted the resignation of two dozen senior staff members at the SSA.
This was revealed in a memo by acting commissioner Leland Dudek.
Dudek took charge after Michelle King resigned over concerns about data privacy involving Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Downsizing impact
Trump administration's federal workforce downsizing
The Trump administration and DOGE have already slashed over 100,000 federal civilian jobs through layoffs and buyouts as part of their efforts to streamline government operations.
Both the White House and DOGE have yet to respond to requests for comments on the SSA's announcement.
This silence raises questions about future operations and data privacy within the agency, especially considering its role in offering benefits to tens of millions of older Americans.