Trump supporters defend administration as DeLauro warns of possible cuts to Social Security Administration
EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — There was a heated exchange in East Haven as Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT 3rd District) warned a crowd about cuts President Donald Trump’s administration is trying to make to the Social Security Administration. Trump supporters in the audience were quick to defend what the president is doing.
“We cannot, we will not, let them tamper with Social Security,” DeLauro said, sounding the alarm about Social Security.
Social Security Administration backtracks on some ID requirements after backlash
Trump supporters at the East Haven Community Center were quick to say hers is a false alarm, but folks who work for or with Social Security say cuts are already happening.
“The administration wants to reduce our workforce by 7,000,” AFGE Local 1164 President Camillie Pineiro said. “They are well on their way by incentivizing retirement of almost 3,000 employees.”
There is also talk about eliminating phone verification so the public would have to go to a field office with questions, plus there is talk about eliminating field offices, but supporters of Trump called that fearmongering.
“Why could she go up there and talk to people the way she’s doing without giving the real facts?” said Pete Cianelli, wearing his “Make America Great Again” hat. “Why did she vote against no tax on Social Security?”
News 8 reached out to the White House about the closing of field offices. They directed us to a statement from the Social Security Administration that says most locations they have recommended for closing are meeting rooms not associated with anybody’s jobs.
List: The Social Security offices expected to close this year
DeLauro strongly countered that it doesn’t matter what kind of room it is if it helps people access their benefits.
“You can be in a one-room schoolhouse,” DeLauro said. “But if you get your questions answered for Social Security, then that is worth our doing.”
“What Elon Musk and Donald Trump are trying to do is streamline the departments in our government so we can cut down on the $36 trillion debt our country has now,” Trump supporter Bob Dowling said.
Mary Elia, a board member of the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans, said that the Social Security Administration is already very efficient.
“They have never, in almost 90 years, Social Security has never missed a payment,” Elia said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.