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New Social Security Chief Admits Googling Role After Trump Nomination

Frank Bisignano, a former Wall Street executive, pledges a digital-first overhaul while addressing workforce concerns and ongoing legal challenges.

Frank Bisignano, President Donald Trump’s then nominee to be Commissioner of Social Security Administration, can be seen testifying at his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on March 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Frank Bisignano at a Senate Committee on Finance hearing to examine his nomination to be commissioner of the Social Security Administration on March 25, 2025.
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Overview

  • Frank Bisignano, newly confirmed as Social Security Commissioner, revealed he Googled the role after being tapped by President Trump, citing no prior government or SSA experience.
  • Bisignano, formerly CEO of financial tech company Fiserv, plans to modernize the agency with a digital-first strategy, likening it to customer experiences with private-sector giants like Amazon.
  • He assured SSA staff there are no immediate plans for workforce reductions, despite ongoing restructuring efforts led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
  • The SSA faces mounting challenges, including outdated IT systems, a disability claims backlog, and legal disputes over data privacy tied to Musk's reform initiatives.
  • Critics, including lawmakers and activists, have raised concerns about Bisignano's qualifications, potential conflicts of interest, and the impact of privatization-focused reforms.