Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), one of Trump’s most loyal supporters in Congress, just got a harsh wake-up call—and he’s not hiding his frustration. The closure of the only Social Security hearing office in the Hudson Valley has left thousands of his constituents stranded, and Lawler is furious.
Calling the move a “slap in the face,” Lawler slammed the decision to shut down the White Plains Social Security office, which handles thousands of backlogged cases and in-person hearings each year. The closure means residents will now have to travel long distances to Manhattan, New Haven, the Bronx, or Goshen just to access vital services.
For months, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been fighting to keep the office open. But in a twist that has social media buzzing, the decision is being celebrated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a key player in Trump’s aggressive push to slash government spending. The agency’s website even highlights the closure in its “Real Estate” tracker, showing that the lease termination was finalized on Jan. 29, 2025.
Despite the Trump administration’s role in the cuts, Lawler is scrambling to shift the blame elsewhere. Responding to online criticism, he pointed the finger at the Biden administration, insisting that the decision was made in December 2024. However, records show that federal officials under Trump have been pushing for these closures as part of a broader effort to reduce spending, even as new policies require residents to visit Social Security offices in person for identity verification.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins didn’t hold back, calling the move “disgraceful” and accusing the Trump administration of prioritizing bureaucracy over the well-being of residents. Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek has defended the decision, suggesting that residents simply travel to other locations—despite the added burden for elderly and disabled individuals who rely on these services.
As frustration mounts, Lawler finds himself caught in the crossfire, defending an administration that just delivered a painful blow to his own constituents. The question now: Will he keep standing by Trump, or is this the moment that changes everything?
