President Biden fired Trump-era Social Security commissioner Andrew Saul on Friday morning for underestimating and politicizing Social Security benefits, according to a White House official.
The official said the president asked for the resignations of Saul and Deputy Commissioner David Black. Black agreed to resign, but Saul refused, so he was informed that his employment had been terminated.
The Biden administration regarded Saul’s actions as commissioner as “contrary” to the Social Security Administration’s mission and Mr. Biden’s agenda. Among other issues, the White House complained that Saul had terminated the SSA’s telework policy, which was used by a quarter of its employees.
Mr Biden has appointed Kilo Kizakazi as acting commissioner until a commissioner and deputy are named. Kizakazi is currently the Deputy Commissioner for Retirement and Disability at the SSA.
About Author
