Headline Roundup • July 9th, 2021
Biden Fires Trump-Appointed Head of Social Security Andrew Saul, Saul Refuses to Leave
Summary from the AllSides News Team
On Friday President Joe Biden fired Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. A White House statement said Saul "undermined and politicized Social Security disability benefits" and took an anti-union stance. According to the White House, Biden asked Saul to resign from his position, but Saul refused. A Justice Department legal opinion conducted at Biden's request found Saul can be removed despite a rule that states he could only be fired for neglect or malfeasance. Saul told the Washington Post Friday he considers himself the "term-protected Commissioner of Social Security" and challenged the legality of the decision. Deputy Commissioner David Black agreed to resign at the request of the White House. Biden named Kilolo Kijakazi, deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy, as acting commissioner as the White House searches for a permanent replacement.
The story was covered by outlets across the political spectrum. Outlets from across the spectrum covered the history of Saul's clash with Biden during the president's six months in office.
Featured Coverage of this Story
Fox News Digital
President Biden fired Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul on Friday amid an ongoing dispute over his leadership of the independent agency responsible for administering retirement and disability benefits.
Saul was one of the few remaining federal appointees from former President Donald Trump’s administration. The White House said he was fired after refusing a request for his resignation. Deputy Social Security Commissioner David Black was also asked to resign and he complied.
The Washington Post was first to report Saul's dismissal. He questioned the legality of Biden's decision in an interview with the newspaper and said...
Associated Press
President Joe Biden on Friday fired the commissioner of Social Security after the official refused to resign, and Biden accepted the deputy commissioner’s resignation, the White House said.
Biden asked commissioner Andrew Saul to resign, and his employment was terminated after he refused the Democratic president’s request, a White House official said.
Deputy Commissioner David Black agreed to resign, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters.
Both officials had been put in place under President Donald Trump, a Republican.
Biden named Kilolo Kijakazi as...
Washington Post
President Biden on Friday fired Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul, a holdover from the Trump administration who had alienated crucial Democratic constituencies with policies designed to clamp down benefits and an uncompromising anti-union stance.
Saul was fired after refusing a request to resign, White House officials said. His deputy, David Black, who was also appointed by former president Donald Trump, resigned Friday upon request.
Biden named Kilolo Kijakazi, the current deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy, to serve as acting commissioner until a permanent nominee is selected.
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