In a surprising break from party lines, more than a dozen House Republicans have voiced opposition to recent staff cuts at the Social Security Administration (SSA), directly challenging the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The group sent a formal letter on May 6, 2025, to Frank Bisignano, newly confirmed SSA commissioner, raising concerns about the impact of the layoffs.

The 15 Republican lawmakers, typically aligned with Trump’s agenda, expressed worry that reductions in SSA staffing and office leases could disrupt vital services relied on by seniors and people with disabilities. They specifically pointed to the importance of the SSA’s physical offices, website, and customer service hotline for millions of Americans.

While the lawmakers praised DOGE’s mission to streamline government operations, they warned that this particular initiative could lead to fraud and create obstacles for vulnerable populations. They emphasized the risks of making the verification process burdensome, particularly for the elderly, disabled, and rural residents who already face geographic challenges in accessing services.

The letter also stated the lawmakers’ commitment to improving the efficiency of SSA operations without compromising service quality. “We must use caution and consider the impact any changes would have so there are no disruptions,” they wrote, adding that their districts contain substantial elderly populations who depend on Social Security for income.

Their stance puts them at odds with much of the Republican Party and has earned them the label of “RINOs” (Republicans in Name Only) from some critics. Despite their critique of DOGE’s specific actions, the lawmakers maintained a balanced tone, acknowledging DOGE’s broader goals.

Frank Bisignano’s recent confirmation to lead the SSA has itself sparked controversy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer strongly opposed the appointment, calling it “a disgraceful moment” and accusing Bisignano of being intent on dismantling Social Security through backdoor cuts.

So far, Commissioner Bisignano has not publicly responded to the GOP lawmakers’ letter. The list of signatories includes Reps. Nicole Malliotakis, Brian Fitzpatrick, Don Bacon, Michael V. Lawler, and others representing swing or moderate districts.

Their intervention adds complexity to the ongoing debate about government efficiency, entitlement programs, and the internal divisions within the Republican Party heading into the next election cycle.