Trump Admin Retribution: SSA Contracts Canceled Over Maine Governor Dispute

Social Security Contracts in Maine Canceled After Governor’s Clash with Trump

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently found itself in the spotlight after it canceled key contracts with the state of Maine, following a disagreement between its Democratic governor and former President Donald Trump.

Emails obtained by the Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee have shed light on the situation, revealing that Leland Dudek, the acting SSA commissioner, had directed the termination of these contracts. Initially, Dudek had suggested the cancellations were accidental. However, the emails indicate an intentional decision aimed at Governor Janet Mills.

In an email dated February 27, Dudek stated, “Please cancel the contracts. 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 at a state governors’ summit, where Trump questioned Mills on her stance regarding his executive order on transgender women in school sports. Mills responded by affirming her commitment to state and federal laws, which prompted Trump to threaten the withdrawal of federal funds, to which Mills retorted, “See you in court.”

This exchange was followed by Trump’s demand for an apology from Mills on social media, which went unanswered.

The SSA contracts in question play a critical role in assisting state agencies with Social Security-related functions. Their termination disrupted vital services such as hospital enrollments for newborns and the removal of deceased individuals from the Social Security rolls. The disruption was especially significant in Maine, which has the oldest population in the United States, with nearly 22% of its residents aged 65 and above.

Public backlash led to the reinstatement of the contracts within 24 hours, as reported by HuffPost.

In a letter, Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, the Democratic ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, criticized Dudek’s actions and called for his resignation, declaring that the acting commissioner should prioritize serving the American people over creating administrative waste.

A spokesperson for the SSA has yet to comment on the situation.