In a recent development, the Social Security Administration (SSA) terminated crucial contracts with the state of Maine, a move perceived as retaliation against Democratic Governor Janet Mills for her actions that displeased President Donald Trump.
Initially, Leland Dudek, the acting SSA commissioner, claimed the contract cancellations were a mistake. However, emails uncovered by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee suggest otherwise, revealing that Dudek deliberately ordered the cancellations to retaliate against Governor Mills.
“Please cancel the contracts,” Dudek stated in an email dated February 27. “While our improper payments will go up, and fraudsters may compromise identities, no money will go from the public trust to a petulant child.”
The incident traces back to a confrontation between Trump and Mills on February 21 during a governors’ summit. Trump questioned Mills about enforcing his executive order that bans transgender women from participating in school sports. Mills defended her position, stating compliance with state and federal law. Trump’s threat to withdraw federal funds was met with Mills’ defiant response, “See you in court.”
Following the summit, Trump publicly demanded an apology from Mills via social media, to which Mills did not respond.
The canceled SSA contracts were vital for Maine’s state agencies, particularly in maintaining Social Security records. The contract disruptions led to difficulties for hospitals enrolling newborns in Social Security and removing deceased individuals from the rolls.
Maine stands out as the state with the oldest population in the U.S., with nearly 22% of its residents aged 65 and older.
After widespread criticism, Dudek reinstated the contracts within a day.
Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, the Democratic ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, has called for Dudek’s resignation in a formal letter.
“The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration should serve the American people, not create waste, fraud, and abuse on the taxpayer’s dime,” Connolly asserted. “I call on you to resign immediately, and I request that you sit for a transcribed interview with staff of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.”
The Social Security Administration has yet to comment on the matter.
For more details, visit the original report at American Journal News.
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