Olivia Troye - The Slow Kill: How the GOP is Dismantling Social Security Without a Vote
It's March 2025, and the future of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is in jeopardy. Under the second Trump Administration and a Republican-controlled Congress, policies are being enacted that will make it harder for millions of Americans—especially seniors, disabled individuals, and lower-income families—to access the benefits they've earned and rely on to survive. Let me repeat that. Benefits that have been earned.
What's happening isn't just an administrative reshuffle; it's an orchestrated attempt to shrink and weaken these programs without openly admitting to cutting them. Field offices are closing, verification requirements are increasing, and funding cuts are making services harder to access. This isn't about efficiency—it's about making Social Security and other safety net programs more difficult to navigate, discouraging people from claiming what they are owed.
I strongly recommend reading fellow substacker Judd Legum's article on the memo circulated at the Social Security Administration. It breaks down the internal discussions on the changes that are about to be implemented, including warnings of the detrimental impacts.
The Reality: Barriers to Access and Hidden Cuts
Under the guise of combating fraud, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will now require in-person identity verification for new applicants and those changing direct deposit information. Phone-based verification is being eliminated, forcing millions to show up in person. At the same time, SSA is shutting down multiple field offices and laying off thousands of workers, creating bottlenecks and long wait times. If you're elderly, disabled, or living in a rural area, good luck finding an open office within a reasonable distance.
https://www.livingitwitholiviatroye.com/p/the-slow-kill-how-the-gop-is-dismantling