Social Security
What recognition has the Social Security Administration received for its financial transparency?
The Social Security Administration has been recognized with the Sear Award from the Association of Government Accountants annually for their exceptional openness, transparency, and clarity in financial reporting. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights the agency's commitment to maintaining high standards of accountability in managing the Social Security program that millions of Americans, particularly seniors, depend upon. This recognition is particularly significant given the concerns about external access to Social Security data and the operational challenges the agency faces with reduced staffing levels.
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MSNBC
03:46 - 04:06
What is Martin O'Malley's critique of the White House's claims regarding fraud in the Social Security system?
Former Maryland governor and Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley challenges the White House's characterization of fraud in the Social Security system. He emphasizes that the agency actually operates with high efficiency and low fraud rates, contrary to exaggerated narratives about 'zombie checks.' O'Malley argues that the real threats to Social Security are staffing cuts and administrative pressures rather than widespread fraud. He also expresses concerns about Doge's involvement in accessing sensitive Social Security data, highlighting the importance of protecting personal information within the system.
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MSNBC
02:07 - 02:15
What are the concerns about DOGE-affiliated staffers entering government agencies?
DOGE-affiliated staffers have been onboarding at various agencies like the Social Security Administration and IRS, raising concerns about their attempts to gain access to sensitive systems containing personal data of taxpayers and benefit recipients. These staffers are reportedly seeking to examine financial systems based on claims of widespread fraud, particularly allegations about deceased people receiving fraudulent payments. However, these claims are not fully supported by evidence. While there are deceased people on Social Security rolls, an inspector general's audit last year found that the total fraud estimated across eight years was less than 1% - contradicting claims of 'tens of millions' of deceased people receiving benefits. This situation highlights tensions between new administration appointees and existing government systems.
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MSNBC
00:14 - 02:11
What is the constitutional problem with Elon Musk's role in the government?
The Constitution requires anyone in charge of a federal agency to be Senate confirmed, which Elon Musk is not. Though the Trump administration is now claiming Musk is merely a White House senior adviser with no formal role, this contradicts Musk's own public statements about 'deleting folks' in agencies and his apparent operational authority. This creates a constitutional dilemma in two ways. If Musk is acting as the head of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), it violates constitutional requirements for Senate confirmation. Even if he's working from the White House as an adviser while exercising substantial agency control, this still potentially violates constitutional separation of powers, as Congress passed laws establishing how these agencies should operate.
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MSNBC
04:40 - 06:14
What type of information could Doge potentially access from Social Security data?
According to former Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley, Doge could potentially gain access to personal identifying information of Social Security beneficiaries. This includes sensitive data such as where people live, their earnings history, benefit amounts, and household information. O'Malley expresses concern about this potential access, implying there are serious privacy and security risks associated with allowing such browsing of personal data. His tone suggests skepticism about the motives behind seeking this access, noting that those requesting it may not even fully understand what they're asking for.
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MSNBC
00:19 - 00:36
What are the consequences for Social Security employees who browse personal identifying information without proper justification?
According to former Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley, browsing personal identifying information without a legitimate claimant business purpose is treated as a serious offense within the agency. During his tenure under President Biden, this was considered a fireable offense for employees caught accessing such sensitive data improperly. Beyond termination, cases of unauthorized browsing were frequently referred to the Office of Inspector General for potential criminal prosecution. O'Malley emphasizes that accessing personal identifying information without justification is actually a crime, highlighting the strict safeguards in place to protect citizens' private data in the Social Security system.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)MSNBC
00:36 - 01:06