AFSCME President Lee Saunders has issued a statement criticizing Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek following his threat to shut down the Social Security Administration. This move comes after a judge temporarily denied Elon Musk’s DOGE access.
Saunders said, “For almost 90 years, Social Security has never missed a paycheck — but 60 days into this administration, Social Security is now on the brink.” He accused Dudek of being overwhelmed in his role and compromising the privacy of millions of Americans. Saunders further alleged that Dudek is shutting down essential services for senior citizens and planning significant layoffs.
According to Saunders, Dudek’s actions are in service to “Elon Musk’s lies” and he likened Dudek’s threat to shut down Social Security to “a child who didn’t get his way.” Saunders argued that instead of complying with a lawful court order, Dudek is willing to let millions suffer to please anti-worker billionaires.
He added, “Even for this administration, this is a new low. Project 2025 didn’t dare mention Social Security, but we always knew they would put it on the table.” Saunders reaffirmed AFSCME’s commitment to fighting efforts by anti-union extremists and billionaires to privatize and undermine Social Security. He concluded by stating, “Workers paid into this program; it belongs to us.”
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