Breaking: Biden Fires Social Security Chief after He Refused to Resign

President Biden dismissed Social Security commissioner and Trump appointee Andrew Saul from his post Friday after he refused to resign.

As justification for releasing him, the White House claimed Saul “politicized” the subject of his work and that his performance in the role was unsatisfactory.

“Since taking office, Commissioner Saul has undermined and politicized Social Security disability benefits, terminated the agency’s telework policy that was utilized by up to 25 percent of the agency’s workforce, not repaired SSA’s relationships with relevant Federal employee unions including in the context of COVID-19 workplace safety planning, reduced due process protections for benefits appeals hearings, and taken other actions that run contrary to the mission of the agency and the President’s policy agenda,” the White House said in a statement.

Saul’s deputy and fellow holdover from the Trump administration David Black agreed to step down Friday upon request. Biden selected Kilolo Kijakazi, the current deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy, to serve as interim commissioner until replacements for both Saul and Black are identified.

Social Security is one of the most expansive and longest-enduring federal social-insurance programs, maintaining a safety net of regular retirement, disability, and survivor's benefits for millions of Americans. In the Social Security Administration, technically an independent agency, the leadership does not typically change with the election of a new president.

Saul’s and Black’s terms were not set to expire until January 2025, making their removals premature, considering precedent.

Biden Fires Social Security Chief after He Refused to Resign White House says Andrew Saul 'politicized' his work and his performance was ... READ MORE ADVERTISEMENT Follow Us & Share 19 West 44th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY, 10036, USA Your Preferences | Unsubscribe | Privacy View this e-mail in your browser.