Posted on 07/09/21
| News Source: Federal News Network
Andrew Saul is out as the commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
President Joe Biden asked Saul, who’s been serving as SSA commissioner since 2019, for his resignation this morning, a White House official told Federal News Network.
Biden also asked for the resignation of David Black, the agency’s deputy commissioner.
“Andrew Saul refused to to resign as requested, and he was notified his employment as commissioner was terminated immediately,” the official said. “David Black has agreed to resign and we thank him for his service.”
Kilolo Kijakazi, SSA’s deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy, told employees Friday afternoon that she will serve as the agency’s acting commissioner.
“Today, President Biden made the decision to change agency leadership and has asked me to serve as the acting commissioner,” Kijakazi, said in an email, which Federal News Network obtained. “Over the past several months, I have gained great appreciation for SSA and I have witnessed the commitment you bring to public service each day.”
“I thank former Commissioner Saul and Deputy Commissioner Black for their service to the public,” she said in the email. “I am a strong believer in collaboration and [SSA chief of staff] Scott Frey and I look forward to working with all of you. This is a pivotal time for the agency and the nation and I know we can overcome any challenge when we confront it together.”
Saul was supposed to serve a six-year term that expired in 2025. He’s come under fire in recent months from Democrats and federal employee unions for his handling of the agency’s services during the pandemic and employee telework policies.