Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined 20 other states in filing an amicus brief supporting an injunction to prevent the Trump Administration from enacting layoffs and closures at the Social Security Administration (SSA). These measures have reportedly jeopardized Social Security payments for millions of citizens.

The brief, submitted today in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, supports the plaintiffs in the case American Association of People with Disabilities v. Dudek. It highlights concerns over administrative actions affecting SSA’s ability to maintain core services for beneficiaries.

Attorney General Platkin criticized President Trump and Elon Musk for their involvement, stating, "Instead of protecting the Social Security benefits that millions of Americans count on every day, President Trump and Elon Musk are taking a wrecking ball to the Social Security Administration." Platkin expressed concern about the effect of these cuts on New Jersey residents' benefits, emphasizing the need to defend Social Security from further damage.

The brief outlines significant issues related to the administration's approach. It argues that actions taken by Elon Musk, alongside Dudek and DOGE, threaten SSA’s functionality, including indiscriminate layoffs and planned office closures, citing debunked claims about fraud and abuse.

Misstatements about SSA's financial management were addressed in the brief, including Musk's assertion that SSA makes $100 billion in improper payments annually and Trump's claim about benefits to people over 100 years old. These statements are refuted by SSA's Inspector General, who found minimal improper payments largely due to honest mistakes.

Recent staff reductions have reportedly exacerbated SSA's operational challenges, leading to increased wait times and service disruptions both in person and online. The brief notes that over 2,800 employees have retired or taken buyouts with more cuts expected, despite administrative costs only comprising a minor percentage of SSA's budget.

Social Security provides essential support for basic needs, including health care and food, for retirees and individuals with disabilities, as well as eligibility for other programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Plaintiffs allege these cuts have delayed benefits and infringed on the SSA's obligations under federal law, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

State attorneys general joining Platkin in the brief include representatives from Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.