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A leaked internal memo has revealed that the DOGE is planning significant changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA) phone service, which could drastically hinder Americans' ability to apply for or update benefits.

The memo, drafted on March 13 by acting SSA deputy commissioner Doris Diaz, suggests that the agency will severely limit the services available by phone, particularly for people who can’t verify their identity online.

Applicants who rely on phone verification will now have to visit field offices in person, causing major disruptions for many, especially those in rural areas, or who are seniors with transportation difficulties, or for people with disabilities. And this will be made all the more difficult, since DOGE is shuttering lots of facilities and ending building leases for lots of government offices, including some SSA sites.

Former SSA officials warn that these changes could overwhelm the already overburdened field offices, leading to longer wait times, delayed processing, and widespread confusion. And like so many of DOGE’s actions, many experts believe that the associated costs would far outweigh any savings from cracking down on identity fraud.

On that note, let’s be clear about one widely touted aspect of “fraud” at the SSA: No, there are not millions of people over the age of 120 collecting benefits. Nor are there are people who are over the age of 150. These things have been widely debunked.

And yet, Musk repeats these false facts daily. Can’t we just get to the “crying wolf” phase of this already, where people are tired of the nonsense?

Dig Deeper here and here and here.

No DOGE Allowed. DOGE Clashes with U.S. Institute of Peace, Enlists Police to Force Their Way Inside.

On Monday, a dramatic standoff unfolded at the accidentally-ironically-named U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). Members from DOGE attempted to enter the building several times to install a new president, but were denied entry. Later, D.C. police were called in (as well as a pack of German Shepherds, we imagine), and they escorted Moose out of the building.

Former USIP CEO George Moose had been fired along with most board members. However, USIP was in the process of challenging these actions in court, claiming the firing was illegal as the organization is not a government agency.

The tense scene, which involved police escorting Moose out of the building, raised concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to dismantling U.S. soft power institutions.

As the attorney for Moose and USIP put it: “The building was seized by force, by police officers with guns, acting under the authority of a resolution that we are going to get a court to declare invalid."

Dig Deeper here.

Off Leash. Trump Administration Moves to Regulate DEI Programs in Elite Private Law Firms.

In what appears to be a major overstep, overreach, and overrun… The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), under Co-President Trump's administration, has targeted 20 top law firms over their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, and has sent the firms letters demanding info about their employment practices.

Acting EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, appointed by Trump, stated that the commission was ready to root out discrimination in law firms, which could potentially be violating employment laws. This is the first major move by the EEOC against DEI programs, raising concerns from critics who fear the agency is being reshaped to target such initiatives.

The action follows the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on law firms based on their past actions, including stripping security clearances of an attorney at Covington & Burling and limiting access for attorneys at Perkins Coie.

When the head of one prominent law firm was asked about this overreach: “Did you not see this coming?” He replied: “No, I did nazi this coming.”

Dig Deeper here and here.

Nose Swat. Court Orders Reinstatement of 24,000 Workers Fired by DOGE.

U.S. District Judge James Bredar has ordered the reinstatement of over 24,000 probationary workers. These workers, fired under the guise of “performance issues,” were found by the judge to have been unlawfully terminated.

The court ruling has forced the Trump administration to backpedal and reinstate employees across 18 federal agencies, a process that is expected to bring confusion and turmoil to both the workers and the agencies involved.

This decision highlights the ongoing tension between DOGE’s aggressive cuts and legal challenges over the fairness and legality of such measures.

With thousands of workers being returned to their posts, there are concerns over wasted time and resources, and whether these workers will be fired once again should the court’s ruling be overturned.

Yet another example of DOGE’s dogged approach causing more harm than good — especially when such cuts are not just unwise but are unlawful and leave agencies in disarray.

Dig Deeper here.

Rabid. The Backlash Protests Against Musk & Tesla Are Getting Hardcore.

A controversial website called "DOGEQUEST" has sparked outrage by doxxing Tesla owners. They’ve posted a map with what it claims to be personal information on Tesla owners across the country — including names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails. It also shows details about Tesla dealerships and DOGE employees.

The accuracy of the data is unclear, with some Tesla owners verified, but not all information being fully reliable. And the site claims it will remove an individual’s information if they can prove they’ve sold their Tesla.

Clearly, this “transgress first, then fix later” approach has the ring of poetic justice to it, but it also raises serious privacy concerns.

In another extreme but very different act of protest, The Metropolitan Police Department in Las Vegas is investigating a suspicious incident, where multiple vehicles were set on fire at a Tesla Collision Center.

An early A.M. fire caused significant damage to the property. Law enforcement responded after reports indicated that a person had deliberately set the vehicles on fire. The FBI is now involved too.

Dig Deeper here and here.

"U.S. and Russia Discuss Partial Ceasefire, but Ukraine Faces Tough Choices"
In a Zelenskyy-less phone call between Co-President Trump and Vladimir Putin, the two BFFs agreed on a 30-day ceasefire targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, but Ukraine’s desired full pause on fighting was not achieved. While the White House celebrated the limited deal, it falls short of addressing key issues, particularly Russia's territorial gains. The prisoner swap—175 Russian for 175 Ukrainian prisoners—was another point of discussion. Putin's demands, including halting foreign aid to Ukraine, raise doubts about Russia's true intentions. Despite cautious optimism from Ukraine, experts made no bones about it, saying that the limited scope of the talks are far from achieving lasting piece.

“Trump Administration Cuts Vital Funding for Diabetes Prevention Program”
Ripple Effect Spotlight… The Trump administration has canceled $400 million in funding for the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), which tracked diabetes and prediabetes patients for over 30 years. The cuts, believed to be linked to the administration's rescinding of Columbia University’s grants, are disrupting research across various medical fields. The DPP had shown success, reducing participants' risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%, particularly among older adults. The funding cuts have affected not just DPP but other health research projects, leaving institutions scrambling to find solutions. The people being punished aren’t the people Trump thinks he’s punishing.

“Trump Cuts Funding for Voice of America And Similar Organizations”
The Trump administration’s recent executive order to cut funding for Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and Radio Free Asia (RFA) has sparked widespread concern among press freedom organizations. The move threatens free media and could leave millions in repressive countries without access to uncensored information. Often facing imprisonment for their efforts, VOA and its affiliates have played a critical role in reporting on political repression in countries like Russia, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Russia, and Russia — oh, and also Russia.

“Canadians Relieve Stress By Smashing Trump & Musk’s Likenesses”
Release the hounds… The hottest new thing in Canada: RAGE ROOMS. Canadians frustrated with U.S. tariffs now have a unique way to release their anger. “Rage Room: Halifax” offers customers the chance to "smash" portraits of Presidential Throuple Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Elon Musk. It’s all part of a "Smash the Tariffs" promotion designed to provide a cathartic outlet for Canadians fed up with the ongoing tariff disputes, giving them a way to vent their frustration in a fun, safe environment. Give them hosers a good pounding for us too, eh?

“DOGE Scraps Posts Critical of Amazon, Microsoft, and AI Regulations”
DOGE has removed several blog posts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website that criticized major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft. These posts covered issues such as Amazon’s use of consumer data for its algorithms, a $20 million settlement with Microsoft over illegal collection of children's data, and guidelines for businesses to avoid deceptive AI practices. DOGE’s influence is seen in these removals, which align with efforts to roll back regulations on AI and data collection, benefiting large tech firms like Amazon and Microsoft. Technocrats scratching each others’ bellies.

Well, that was a lot to chew on… Again.

So as your reward, here are a few treats.

Some doggy goodness to calm your nerves… lift your spirits… and get you through to tomorrow…

Your Daily Dog.  The Best Pups from the Internet.

Pack Pooches. Submitted by Pack Members.

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👍 Thanks for reading. See you on Thursday.  

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