Arjun Mody has been sworn in as the Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, where he will oversee operations for an agency serving millions of Americans.
Arjun Mody, an Indian American official, has officially taken office as the Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA). In this role, he will serve as the chief operating officer of the agency responsible for delivering benefits to tens of millions of Americans.
Mody was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 18, 2025, and was sworn in on January 5, 2026, by SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. His term is set to expire on January 19, 2031, according to a release from the SSA.
Commissioner Bisignano expressed confidence in Mody’s abilities, stating, “Under President Donald J. Trump, the Social Security Administration is transforming into a premier service organization to serve more Americans at faster speeds than ever before. I am grateful to have Arjun Mody at the Social Security Administration, and I expect his passion for public service and wealth of experience will elevate the agency’s work.”
In his remarks, Mody thanked President Trump for the opportunity to serve in this significant role and pledged to “make Social Security great for every American.”
Prior to his nomination, Mody played a key role as a Sherpa program official for the Trump Vance Transition, contributing to the swift confirmation of a presidential cabinet—the fastest in thirty years—with all nomination votes secured.
Before his work in the transition, Mody held the position of Staff Director of the Senate Republican Conference, where he was involved in high-level leadership within the U.S. Senate. His experience also includes working for Senators Elizabeth Dole, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and John Barrasso.
Mody began his career as a Presidential Management Fellow at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. He later served as a Principal at S-3 Group, where he advised Fortune 100 companies on legislative strategy, regulatory engagement, mergers, crisis management, and public affairs campaigns.
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Mody emphasized the importance of balancing service and control within the SSA. “From the moment a child receives a Social Security card to the moment a family receives a death benefit, Americans will have an agency that works for them,” he stated. He characterized the agency’s responsibilities as both operational and financial, describing them as “an immense operational and financial challenge.”
Mody highlighted the scale of the SSA, noting its 50,000-person workforce, over 1,200 field offices, and a $1.5 trillion annual budget—the largest in the federal government. “It demands experienced leadership, operational excellence, and pragmatic problem-solving,” he added.
The Social Security Administration is one of the most consequential federal programs, providing retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to more than 70 million Americans. However, the agency has faced ongoing scrutiny in recent years due to staffing shortages, challenges in technology modernization, and service delays, particularly as the U.S. population continues to age.
As Mody steps into his new role, he will be tasked with addressing these challenges and ensuring that the SSA meets the needs of the American public effectively.
According to The American Bazaar, Mody’s extensive background in public service and legislative affairs positions him well to lead the agency during a critical time.