Emails reveal that Dudek Leland, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, knowingly took illegal action to punish the people of Maine for political reasons.
In response to Governor Janet Mills refusing to comply with what’s being called a potentially unlawful executive order from President Trump, Leland terminated two vital SSA contracts with the state. These contracts managed enumeration at birth and electronic death registration—programs designed to reduce fraud and ensure payment accuracy.
Here’s what the emails show:
– February 21, 2025: Trump threatens Maine directly: “You’d better do it, because you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t.”
– February 27, 2025, 3:30 PM: An SSA staffer warns Leland that canceling the contracts would increase improper payments and create risk for identity theft.
– February 27, 2025, 7:09 PM: Leland replies, ordering the contracts be canceled anyway, writing:
“While our improper payments will go up, and fraudsters may compromise identities, no money will go from the public trust to a petulant child.”
That “petulant child” is a direct reference to Governor Mills—for standing up to Trump.
Despite reinstating the contracts on March 7, Leland’s email clearly shows:
– He knew the consequences (fraud, waste, identity theft),
– He ignored professional warnings,
– And he acted out of political revenge, not public service.
The bottom line? Leland admitted—in writing—to intentionally harming the people of Maine and risking taxpayer dollars to serve political ends. This isn’t just unethical. It’s criminal.
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