However, the report emphasizes three key steps to take immediately to restore the Social Security system:

Reverse recent layoffs: Leland Dudek, the Acting Commissioner of SSA, “should reverse recent layoffs, including the dismissal of cybersecurity officers and thousands of experienced field representatives,” said the report. “There is a need to hire more workers to fully operationalize the SSA and reverse the general decline in staffing numbers.”
Cancel office closures: Dudek “must cancel planned field office closures and expand call center staffing to reduce wait times and restore public trust,” said the report. “The SSA payment system would benefit from a thorough, professional overhaul.”
Ensure proper funding: “Trust in Social Security took generations to build,” said the report. “It can be lost in a month.” Dudek, the Trump administration and Congress have a responsibility to stop the attacks and start to rebuild what has been eroded in just a few short weeks.

Related: Trump’s pick to lead Social Security pledges to ‘preserve and protect’ SSA, at Senate hearing

“If there is a positive aspect to be found in this attack on the nation’s most trusted public institution, it’s that there is a renewed and widespread appreciation for Social Security,” concludes the report. “Congress must rebuild trust, maintain and expand Social Security. Millions of lives depend on it.”

Instant Insights /

How Trump can rebuild trust in Social Security, before it’s too late: Schwartz Center

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