Arjun Mody was officially sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of the US Social Security Administration (SSA), assuming the role of chief operating officer at one of the federal government’s largest and most critical agencies. Confirmed by the US Senate on December 18, 2025, Mody’s term will continue through January 19, 2031, during which he will help administer Social Security’s core programs serving tens of millions of Americans.
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Mody thanked President Donald J. Trump, emphasizing his commitment to making Social Security effective and reliable for every eligible American. In his new capacity, Mody will oversee policy development, financial management systems, and the agency’s operational functions, ensuring that services reach Americans efficiently while maintaining fiscal oversight.
During his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing, Mody highlighted the dual responsibilities of Social Security: delivering high-quality service while controlling operational and financial integrity. He described the agency’s scale, noting a workforce of 50,000 employees across more than 1,200 field offices and an annual budget of $1.5 trillion—the largest in the US government. He emphasized the need for operational excellence, pragmatic problem-solving, and experienced leadership to manage such vast responsibilities.
Mody outlined key priorities, including improving customer service, enhancing workforce recruitment and retention, and strengthening internal coordination. He assured senators that the SSA leadership team is committed to “premier customer service and pristine quality control” while striving to boost employee satisfaction and organizational performance.
During the hearing, committee members raised questions about Mody’s direct experience in Social Security policy. Ranking Member Ron Wyden highlighted concerns over long wait times and service backlogs, suggesting these challenges could test Mody’s readiness to lead during periods when the commissioner is unavailable.
Prior to his nomination, Mody served on the Trump–Vance transition team and led senior leadership offices in the US Senate, including work with Senators Elizabeth Dole, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and John Barrasso. He began his career as a Presidential Management Fellow and later advised Fortune 100 companies on legislative and regulatory strategy. Mody holds degrees from La Salle University, Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, and American University’s Washington College of Law.
In a heartfelt reflection, Mody recounted his father’s journey as an immigrant arriving in the US with only $8, noting that his father’s decades of service to veterans inspired Mody’s commitment to public service.
