Tom Yates
@tom-yates.bsky.social
Retired public interest lawyer with opinions.
Reposted by Tom Yates
The Trump administration planned to kick thousands of American seniors off of their disability benefits.
We pushed back — and now, they're backing off.
Public pressure works. Keep fighting back.
We pushed back — and now, they're backing off.
Public pressure works. Keep fighting back.
Social Security scraps plan to limit disability benefits after uproar
The policy would have fundamentally altered who qualifies for the two federal disability programs by eliminating or limiting a person’s age as a factor to consider.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:04 AM
The Trump administration planned to kick thousands of American seniors off of their disability benefits.
We pushed back — and now, they're backing off.
Public pressure works. Keep fighting back.
We pushed back — and now, they're backing off.
Public pressure works. Keep fighting back.
Reposted by Tom Yates
The Trump Administration is abandoning plans for the biggest-ever cut to Social Security Disability Insurance, which would have hit older workers hardest.
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
Social Security scraps plan to limit disability benefits after uproar
The policy would have fundamentally altered who qualifies for the two federal disability programs by eliminating or limiting a person’s age as a factor to consider.
wapo.st
November 19, 2025 at 10:20 PM
The Trump Administration is abandoning plans for the biggest-ever cut to Social Security Disability Insurance, which would have hit older workers hardest.
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
@durbin.senate.gov should resign immediately.
November 10, 2025 at 3:55 AM
@durbin.senate.gov should resign immediately.
Reposted by Tom Yates
This is not a deal — it's an empty promise.
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Senate reaches deal on ending the shutdown
Democrats are coalescing around a bipartisan agreement to fund the government.
www.politico.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:50 AM
This is not a deal — it's an empty promise.
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Tom Yates
Not that he didn’t already know, but now Trump knows for sure he can roll the Dems every time and there’s no need to negotiate for anything
November 10, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Not that he didn’t already know, but now Trump knows for sure he can roll the Dems every time and there’s no need to negotiate for anything
Reposted by Tom Yates
Imagine possessing both the arrogance and incompetence of Dick Durbin.
We understand how the Senate works, dude. That's the fucking problem.
We understand how the Senate works, dude. That's the fucking problem.
Durbin said critics of his vote “need to understand how the Senate works”
November 10, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Imagine possessing both the arrogance and incompetence of Dick Durbin.
We understand how the Senate works, dude. That's the fucking problem.
We understand how the Senate works, dude. That's the fucking problem.
Reposted by Tom Yates
5/5
This is not our job.
Just as there are so many more useful things that reporters could do than crowd into the WH briefing room (for North Korean-style agitprop), there are so many more useful things to report and write about than "here's where Dems are missing the mark."
The end.
This is not our job.
Just as there are so many more useful things that reporters could do than crowd into the WH briefing room (for North Korean-style agitprop), there are so many more useful things to report and write about than "here's where Dems are missing the mark."
The end.
November 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM
5/5
This is not our job.
Just as there are so many more useful things that reporters could do than crowd into the WH briefing room (for North Korean-style agitprop), there are so many more useful things to report and write about than "here's where Dems are missing the mark."
The end.
This is not our job.
Just as there are so many more useful things that reporters could do than crowd into the WH briefing room (for North Korean-style agitprop), there are so many more useful things to report and write about than "here's where Dems are missing the mark."
The end.
Reposted by Tom Yates
4/n
... that's one thing. His entire claim to a reading audience is (for better and worse) having done "messaging" for one party.
But half the political stories these days seem to boil down to "here's why Dems are in disarray" or "what Dems should be saying," to "get more traction."
Enough...
... that's one thing. His entire claim to a reading audience is (for better and worse) having done "messaging" for one party.
But half the political stories these days seem to boil down to "here's why Dems are in disarray" or "what Dems should be saying," to "get more traction."
Enough...
November 3, 2025 at 3:59 PM
4/n
... that's one thing. His entire claim to a reading audience is (for better and worse) having done "messaging" for one party.
But half the political stories these days seem to boil down to "here's why Dems are in disarray" or "what Dems should be saying," to "get more traction."
Enough...
... that's one thing. His entire claim to a reading audience is (for better and worse) having done "messaging" for one party.
But half the political stories these days seem to boil down to "here's why Dems are in disarray" or "what Dems should be saying," to "get more traction."
Enough...
Reposted by Tom Yates
3/n
... they see in events, and historical, reportorial, and other context that connects today's emergencies (or successes) with yesterday's, and tomorrow's.
Neither of these is the same as being message-strategist for DNC, MAGA, or anyone else. When Karl Rove writes his WSJ column ...
... they see in events, and historical, reportorial, and other context that connects today's emergencies (or successes) with yesterday's, and tomorrow's.
Neither of these is the same as being message-strategist for DNC, MAGA, or anyone else. When Karl Rove writes his WSJ column ...
November 3, 2025 at 3:54 PM
3/n
... they see in events, and historical, reportorial, and other context that connects today's emergencies (or successes) with yesterday's, and tomorrow's.
Neither of these is the same as being message-strategist for DNC, MAGA, or anyone else. When Karl Rove writes his WSJ column ...
... they see in events, and historical, reportorial, and other context that connects today's emergencies (or successes) with yesterday's, and tomorrow's.
Neither of these is the same as being message-strategist for DNC, MAGA, or anyone else. When Karl Rove writes his WSJ column ...
Reposted by Tom Yates
2/n
... and asking questions other people don't have the chance to. Then your job, and opportunity, it to tell people what you've seen.
(The two primal urges of all reporters: I want to *see* what's happening. Then I want to *tell* about it.)
Columnists have privilege of sharing patterns...
... and asking questions other people don't have the chance to. Then your job, and opportunity, it to tell people what you've seen.
(The two primal urges of all reporters: I want to *see* what's happening. Then I want to *tell* about it.)
Columnists have privilege of sharing patterns...
November 3, 2025 at 3:51 PM
2/n
... and asking questions other people don't have the chance to. Then your job, and opportunity, it to tell people what you've seen.
(The two primal urges of all reporters: I want to *see* what's happening. Then I want to *tell* about it.)
Columnists have privilege of sharing patterns...
... and asking questions other people don't have the chance to. Then your job, and opportunity, it to tell people what you've seen.
(The two primal urges of all reporters: I want to *see* what's happening. Then I want to *tell* about it.)
Columnists have privilege of sharing patterns...
Reposted by Tom Yates
1/n
Radical hypothesis:
If you're a reporter or even a columnist (umbrella 'journalist' camp), generally *least* useful thing you can do with your time and platform is tell political parties what their "messaging" should be.
-Reporters have the privilege of seeing things other people can't ...
Radical hypothesis:
If you're a reporter or even a columnist (umbrella 'journalist' camp), generally *least* useful thing you can do with your time and platform is tell political parties what their "messaging" should be.
-Reporters have the privilege of seeing things other people can't ...
November 3, 2025 at 3:46 PM
1/n
Radical hypothesis:
If you're a reporter or even a columnist (umbrella 'journalist' camp), generally *least* useful thing you can do with your time and platform is tell political parties what their "messaging" should be.
-Reporters have the privilege of seeing things other people can't ...
Radical hypothesis:
If you're a reporter or even a columnist (umbrella 'journalist' camp), generally *least* useful thing you can do with your time and platform is tell political parties what their "messaging" should be.
-Reporters have the privilege of seeing things other people can't ...
Reposted by Tom Yates
The Wa Post has issued an important story on an upcoming major SSA disability regulation that would especially affect older disabled workers: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
1/2
1/2
Trump plan would limit disability benefits for older Americans
Trump administration officials are considering eliminating age as a factor in deciding whether someone is capable of working.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 5, 2025 at 5:37 PM
The Wa Post has issued an important story on an upcoming major SSA disability regulation that would especially affect older disabled workers: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
1/2
1/2
Reposted by Tom Yates
DOGE staff at Social Security have put the sensitive data of hundreds of millions is at "high risk," which could have “catastrophic impact,” according to internal SSA docs.
This was not only foreseeable, but widely predicted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
This was not only foreseeable, but widely predicted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
DOGE Put Critical Social Security Data at Risk, Whistle-Blower Says
www.nytimes.com
August 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
DOGE staff at Social Security have put the sensitive data of hundreds of millions is at "high risk," which could have “catastrophic impact,” according to internal SSA docs.
This was not only foreseeable, but widely predicted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
This was not only foreseeable, but widely predicted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
Reposted by Tom Yates
After sending a misleading & partisan press release to millions, Social Security issued a new release on service "improvements" under the new Commissioner, whom it lavishes w/praise.
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Social Security stops reporting call wait times and other metrics
The changes are the latest sign of the agency’s struggle with website crashes, overloaded servers and long lines at field offices amid Trump cutbacks.
www.washingtonpost.com
July 7, 2025 at 9:48 PM
After sending a misleading & partisan press release to millions, Social Security issued a new release on service "improvements" under the new Commissioner, whom it lavishes w/praise.
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Tom Yates
Yesterday the Social Security Administration sent a highly misleading & political press release about the tax bill to my work account, where I'd signed up for SSA updates.
Then overnight I got it again, this time to my personal account. And I heard from lots of others who did, too. 🧵
Then overnight I got it again, this time to my personal account. And I heard from lots of others who did, too. 🧵
July 4, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Yesterday the Social Security Administration sent a highly misleading & political press release about the tax bill to my work account, where I'd signed up for SSA updates.
Then overnight I got it again, this time to my personal account. And I heard from lots of others who did, too. 🧵
Then overnight I got it again, this time to my personal account. And I heard from lots of others who did, too. 🧵
Reposted by Tom Yates
For pretty much any government agency you can think of, if their software doesn't work, the agency doesn't work. DOGE fucked up the FAA's software, and people are going to die because of it.
Radar screens at Newark airport went black again overnight
Radar screens at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport went black again early Friday morning.
abcnews.go.com
May 9, 2025 at 5:54 PM
For pretty much any government agency you can think of, if their software doesn't work, the agency doesn't work. DOGE fucked up the FAA's software, and people are going to die because of it.
Reposted by Tom Yates
I didn’t give a wit about new pope coverage, but the first American pope being a man with Black ancestry born in Chicago by way of New Orleans by way of Haiti. Names his self after the pope who condemned slavery? In the Trump era? Oh, baebae, I am HERE for it.
www.wwltv.com/article/news...
www.wwltv.com/article/news...
Pope Leo XIV's grandparents were 7th Ward Creoles
The newly elected pontiff, born in Chicago, has ancestral ties to the city’s historic Seventh Ward, according to genealogists at The Historic New Orleans Collection.
www.wwltv.com
May 9, 2025 at 12:11 AM
I didn’t give a wit about new pope coverage, but the first American pope being a man with Black ancestry born in Chicago by way of New Orleans by way of Haiti. Names his self after the pope who condemned slavery? In the Trump era? Oh, baebae, I am HERE for it.
www.wwltv.com/article/news...
www.wwltv.com/article/news...
Reposted by Tom Yates
Best Chicago controversy of the new Pope is the Cubs trying to lay claim to him and his brother having to speak up to clear up that he's a Sox fan. blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/08/p...
Pope Leo XIV Is A Sox Fan, Despite The Early Hope From Cubs Fans, His Brother Confirms
The Cubs' Marquee Sports Network, citing ABC News, said the new pontiff supports the North Siders. But his brother said that is not true.
blockclubchicago.org
May 8, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Best Chicago controversy of the new Pope is the Cubs trying to lay claim to him and his brother having to speak up to clear up that he's a Sox fan. blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/08/p...
First question for Pope from Chicago: White Sox or Cubs fan?
May 8, 2025 at 5:41 PM
First question for Pope from Chicago: White Sox or Cubs fan?
Reposted by Tom Yates
Reposted by Tom Yates
Trump just fired the HHS team responsible for calculating the Federal Poverty Line, which determines eligibility for programs like Medicaid, food assistance, and child care.
Trump & DOGE are blocking hardworking Americans from getting the basic assistance they deserve.
Trump & DOGE are blocking hardworking Americans from getting the basic assistance they deserve.
April 25, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Trump just fired the HHS team responsible for calculating the Federal Poverty Line, which determines eligibility for programs like Medicaid, food assistance, and child care.
Trump & DOGE are blocking hardworking Americans from getting the basic assistance they deserve.
Trump & DOGE are blocking hardworking Americans from getting the basic assistance they deserve.
Reposted by Tom Yates
NEW PIECE: I've been working for a while on a piece on social security death notices and payment finality. Just as I was finalizing it, including with a new legal memo!- it was reported that DOGE declared four MILLION people dead. Read all about the issues here
www.crisesnotes.com/the-crisis-a...
www.crisesnotes.com/the-crisis-a...
The Crisis at Social Security Illustrates Elon Musk and DOGE’s Plan: Explode the Number and Severity of Improper Payments.
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Over the past month I needed a break to deal with organizational issues, including getting the Notes on the Crises Manhattan office(!) set up and needed time to continue a number of investi...
www.crisesnotes.com
April 25, 2025 at 4:46 PM
NEW PIECE: I've been working for a while on a piece on social security death notices and payment finality. Just as I was finalizing it, including with a new legal memo!- it was reported that DOGE declared four MILLION people dead. Read all about the issues here
www.crisesnotes.com/the-crisis-a...
www.crisesnotes.com/the-crisis-a...
Reposted by Tom Yates
Reposted by Tom Yates
From the conservative American Enterprise Institute on the Trump Admin creating a "Master File":
"This is a hacker’s dream & a security nightmare... What were once numerous, separate targets for hackers & hostile foreign actors will become a single, high-value prize."
www.aei.org/technology-a...
"This is a hacker’s dream & a security nightmare... What were once numerous, separate targets for hackers & hostile foreign actors will become a single, high-value prize."
www.aei.org/technology-a...
www.aei.org
April 21, 2025 at 8:52 PM
From the conservative American Enterprise Institute on the Trump Admin creating a "Master File":
"This is a hacker’s dream & a security nightmare... What were once numerous, separate targets for hackers & hostile foreign actors will become a single, high-value prize."
www.aei.org/technology-a...
"This is a hacker’s dream & a security nightmare... What were once numerous, separate targets for hackers & hostile foreign actors will become a single, high-value prize."
www.aei.org/technology-a...
Reposted by Tom Yates
“Imagine, in one Trump administration keystroke, losing your income, your health insurance, access to your bank account, your credit cards, your home, and more.… When Social Security incorrectly declares someone dead, it ruins their lives.” - SSW President Nancy Altman
Trump Kicks Citizen Off Social Security in Anti-Immigrant Purge
Donald Trump has sought to punish immigrants by booting them off of Social Security.
newrepublic.com
April 18, 2025 at 6:20 PM
“Imagine, in one Trump administration keystroke, losing your income, your health insurance, access to your bank account, your credit cards, your home, and more.… When Social Security incorrectly declares someone dead, it ruins their lives.” - SSW President Nancy Altman