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Social Security Chief Faces Growing Resignation Calls Over Politically Motivated Maine Contract Cancellations

Newly revealed emails confirm Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek retaliated against Governor Janet Mills for opposing federal transgender athlete policies.

FILE - Democratic Gov. Janet Mills delivers her State of the State address, Jan. 30, 2024, at the State House in Augusta, Maine. Mills vetoed on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, a bill to establish a minimum hourly wage for agricultural workers that she initially submitted herself. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaking, is joined by, from left, Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., as they criticize efforts by President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Republicans in Congress to compromise Social Security, during a news conference, at the Capitol, in Washington, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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Overview

  • Internal emails show Dudek canceled Maine's vital records contracts to retaliate against Governor Mills, despite staff warnings of increased fraud and improper payments.
  • The cancellations disrupted Maine's Enumeration at Birth program, forcing parents to apply for Social Security numbers for newborns in person at federal offices.
  • Dudek reinstated the contracts within 24 hours following public backlash and pressure from Maine’s congressional delegation but faces ongoing scrutiny.
  • The Trump administration has escalated its campaign against Maine, freezing federal funding and launching investigations into state policies on transgender athletes.
  • Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Gerry Connolly, have demanded Dudek's resignation, citing abuse of power and the politicization of federal agencies.