Washington, D.C., USA: If confirmed, Arjun Mody will take on the role of Deputy Commissioner for Social Security under Commissioner Richard Bisignano, where he’ll manage financial oversight and policy planning for the federal agency.
During his Senate confirmation hearing this week, President Donald Trump’s nominee, Arjun Mody, pledged to deliver “premier service and strong accountability” at the Social Security Administration (SSA). He described his mission as one centred on “service and control,” aiming to enhance both customer service and institutional integrity.
Background and Vision
Mody, who has served for years as a senior aide to Senator John Barrasso, told lawmakers that he views the SSA as the foundation of America’s social contract — supporting citizens from their first Social Security card to their final family benefits.
“President Trump has been clear — Social Security must be preserved and protected for every eligible American,” Mody said. “If confirmed, I will carry forward that mission.”
A Personal Journey Rooted in Service
The nominee reflected on his father’s story — an Indian immigrant who arrived at New York’s JFK Airport during the Nixon era with only eight dollars and later worked for 25 years at the VA Medical Centre in East Orange, New Jersey.
“From my father, I learned that public service is a sacred duty,” Mody shared. “In his retirement, when he received his pension and Social Security check, he would always say, ‘God bless America.’”
This experience, Mody said, shaped his dedication to maintaining high-quality service and operational transparency within an agency that handles over $1.5 trillion annually, employs more than 50,000 workers, and operates around 1,200 offices nationwide.
Core Goals: Service and Oversight
Mody identified two key priorities — service and control.
Under “service,” he aims to modernise the SSA’s engagement with the public through in-person offices, call centres, and digital platforms like “MySSA.” “We need to empower our workforce with better leadership, tools, and systems,” he noted.
For “control,” he emphasised improving data accuracy, reducing processing delays, and enhancing cybersecurity. “Protecting personal information and maintaining public trust must remain non-negotiable,” he added.
Senator Barrasso, who introduced Mody, described him as “a man of integrity and determination,” saying, “When a job needs to be done, Arjun completes it with precision and excellence.”
Political Tensions During the Hearing
The Senate Finance Committee hearing took place amid partisan disagreements over federal spending and healthcare policy. Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) welcomed the nominees, while Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) criticised the administration for not adequately addressing customer service challenges at the SSA.
Wyden cited an Oregon resident who spent “two hours on hold” seeking survivor benefits, saying, “Americans deserve Social Security leadership that knows how to fix these problems.”
Mody responded that he plans to raise employee morale and enhance responsiveness. “Our goal is to move the agency from the bottom quartile in staff satisfaction to the top,” he said. “The SSA should become a model federal institution.”
Ensuring Data Protection and Accountability
When questioned by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) about cybersecurity, Mody promised a full review of key SSA databases, including the NUMA system and the Federal Parent Locator Service. “These systems must be fully secure,” he said, stressing his commitment to protect sensitive data and prevent breaches.
If confirmed, Mody will collaborate closely with Commissioner Bisignano to advance reforms and strengthen financial governance. “Together,” Mody concluded, “we will restore confidence in Social Security — and make it stronger than ever.”
