DOGE Reversed Course on Half of Its Social Security Lease Terminations

The shift means several rural areas around the country are likely to keep local offices DOGE was set to close, preventing older adults from driving hours to access services.

Social Security office

George Walker IV/AP

The Department of Government Efficiency largely reversed course on its plans to cut hundreds of thousands of square feet in leases tied to the Social Security Administration, data shows.

DOGE initially said it was terminating 47 properties operated by the Social Security Administration — the vast majority of which were located in states that voted for Donald Trump. The cuts sparked concern from advocates for older adults, some of whom told NOTUS that the closures could hinder residents’ ability to access services.

DOGE backtracked on most of the Social Security office closures this week.