Social Security callback waits reached about two and a half hours

Entities and roles

• Russell VoughtTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
• Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
• Social Security Administrationbenefits agency subjected to DOGE staffing and systems changes
• Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action

Relationships in this file

1. Elon Muskreduced service capacity for beneficiariesSocial Security Administration
2. Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
3. Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB directorRussell Vought

Claims and evidence

1. factreported

   Washington Post testing and agency data found Social Security callers encountering callback waits around two and a half hours after DOGE-driven staffing and operational changes.

   • The Washington Post: Callers to Social Security wait for hours to get helpPassages and source records documenting: Social Security callback waits reached about two and a half hours
2. factdocumented

   Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.

   • The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
3. factdocumented

   Russell Vought was the Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director.

   • United States Senate: Roll Call Vote 37: Confirmation of Russell VoughtAppointment or biography record identifying Russell Vought as Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director

Measurements

1. Observed Social Security callback waitabout 150 minutes

   Basis

   Observed

   Population

   Tested Social Security customer-service callbacks

   Period

   2025-01-01 to 2025-10-28

   Method

   Washington Post call testing and review of agency service data.

   Uncertainty

   Waits vary by day, issue, and channel; this is not a universal claimant average.