Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief challenging changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA) implemented under the Trump Administration. The lawsuit, titled American Association of People with Disabilities v. Dudek, addresses disruptions caused by these policy changes, which have made it difficult for Americans, especially older adults and those with disabilities, to access essential benefits.

Bonta highlighted the importance of Social Security, describing it as "a lifeline for over six million Californians." He criticized the administration's actions, stating, "Through their erratic and illegal actions, the Trump Administration and DOGE have weakened both the Social Security Administration’s ability to serve people and the public’s trust in essential government services."

The Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has made significant cuts to SSA staffing and operations in an effort to increase efficiency. However, these cuts have resulted in longer wait times for callers, field office closures, and disruptions of online services, including repeated website crashes. As a result, SSA now relies heavily on the social media platform X for public communication, despite the fact that most seniors do not use social media.

The attorneys general argue that these changes not only impair SSA’s function but also increase the financial burden on state aid programs. They assert that as SSA’s ability to provide necessary services declines, states will face additional challenges in meeting their residents’ needs.

Bonta has previously filed lawsuits challenging actions by the Trump Administration and DOGE, citing concerns over privacy and unauthorized access to American citizens’ personal information. Amidst rising concerns over Social Security administration disruptions, he introduced a webpage for Californians to report issues they encounter with the system.

The effort to challenge these changes is supported by attorneys general from several states, including Connecticut, Arizona, and New York, among others. A copy of the amicus brief is available for public viewing.