Crashing website. Overwhelmed phone lines. Workforce cutbacks. Hostile work environment.

Trump has long said that changes to Social Security are entirely off the table. But just look at what Elon Musk and his DOGE team are doing to undermine it.

Make no mistake about it, but the huge staff reductions (reportedly 10,000+) and planned closing of offices are squeezing the life out of this centerpiece program so vital to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors.

Martin O’Malley, former director of Social Security under President Biden, has predicted that Social Security could be dismantled soon. Trump’s and DOGE’s plan is to hollow out the program so much that recipients turn against it, and Social Security would likely be privatized.

O’Malley’s remarks are a clarion call to the more than 70 million Americans who rely upon Social Security for all or some of their annual income. We must heed his calls for action, including contacting our Congressperson to insist that Social Security be left intact and staff reductions halted before permanent damage can be done to the program.

We can do more. The AARP is mobilizing its millions of members to put pressure on the White House and Congress to stabilize Social Security. More information can be found at aarp.org/socialsecurity. Click on the link, “Join AARP’s Fight to Protect Social Security.”

In addition, we can express our support for the program at street demonstrations occurring daily throughout our land.

Let us get involved before it’s too late!

Ron Cooper ©2025