Trump Executive Order Freezes Hiring For All Civilian Federal Workers In The Executive Branch;
Order Will Have Serious Consequences for Americans Who Rely On Social Security Administration or Department of Veterans Affairs To Get Their Benefits
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference highlighting the impact that President Trump’s hiring freeze for federal workers will have on Americans receiving Social Security, Medicare benefits, or veterans’ benefits. Last year, the number of Social Security Administration employees, who process Social Security and Medicare applications, hit a 27-year low, and the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to face a severe shortage of doctors and nurses. Trump’s hiring freeze risks increasing application processing times, wait times for appointments, and hold times for phone calls. This executive order was followed by a January 28, 2025 email to two million federal employees offering them the option to resign, which would further cripple these agencies’ ability to serve the American people.
“President Trump is playing games with Americans’ retirements,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Without enough staff to process enrollments at the SSA, seniors could be forced to wait months or longer to get their Social Security or Medicare benefits. This executive order will also have dire consequences for our veterans who have served our country and who rely on staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs to get health care, disability compensation, educational benefits, and more. It worsens an existing shortage of VA doctors and nurses and will hinder veterans’ ability to get care. It is an ill-conceived, short-sighted plan that will hurt New Yorkers. I am calling on President Trump to reverse course immediately.”
The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to the White House demanding answers is available here.
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