Several Maryland Democrats voiced their strong disapproval of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its cost-cutting initiatives, particularly concerning potential investigations into the Social Security Administration (SSA). They held a rally outside the SSA's Baltimore headquarters to express their concerns.

Led by Elon Musk, DOGE has been collaborating with federal agencies to eliminate wasteful spending. Their recent probe into the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for potential fraud sparked criticism from Democratic lawmakers who fear the SSA might be next in line for scrutiny. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, along with Representatives Kweisi Mfume, Johnny Olszewski, and Sarah Elfreth, all Maryland Democrats, participated in the rally.

Mfume characterized DOGE as the "department of government evil," expressing his disapproval of the department's activities.

A prior report from Fox News Digital, citing the nonprofit research institute Just Facts, indicated that the SSA distributed approximately $2 billion in improper or fraudulent payments in 2022. This amount, according to Just Facts, could have covered the average annual Social Security benefits for nearly 90,000 retirees.

However, Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns that these cost-cutting measures could negatively impact Americans' Social Security benefits.

Van Hollen directly addressed Musk, urging him to refrain from interfering with Social Security. He criticized what he described as "illegal raids" on federal agencies by Musk and DOGE, calling it a "recipe for corruption."

Alsobrooks suggested the administration's actions were intended to demoralize and frighten the public. DOGE's initiatives have included canceling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and streamlining overlapping agencies and programs.

By the end of January, DOGE reported saving the federal government $1 billion per day, primarily through halting unnecessary hiring, eliminating DEI programs, and stopping improper payments to foreign entities, all in line with presidential executive orders.

These actions have faced significant resistance from Democratic lawmakers, who have staged protests at various government agency headquarters to demonstrate their opposition to the DOGE agenda.