The Social Security Administration (SSA) is bracing for a larger-than-expected reduction in its workforce. Initially planning to cut 7,000 positions, recent developments suggest the number could be significantly higher.

Trump said last week his administration would proceed with plans to designate tens of thousands of federal workers as "at will" employees involved in policy decisions, stripping them of civil service protections.

While the board does not have decision-making power, its research has helped shape how the SSA runs and facilitated legislation.