Michelle King, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), resigned over the weekend following a contentious dispute with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is headed by Elon Musk. This disagreement centered around DOGE’s attempts to access sensitive government records, prompting King, a veteran federal employee with nearly three decades of service at the SSA, to step down.
King’s resignation took place on Saturday, and she has been succeeded by Leland Dudek, who is known for his support of DOGE’s initiatives aimed at eliminating waste and fraud within the federal government. Dudek will serve as acting commissioner until Frank Bisignano, President Trump’s nominee for the permanent position, is confirmed by the Senate.
The conflict arose as DOGE staffers sought access to confidential files within the SSA, similar to their efforts at other federal agencies, including the Treasury Department. Since the establishment of DOGE, there have been ongoing concerns about how these initiatives might impact the privacy and security of sensitive information held by the SSA, which manages Social Security payments for over 70 million Americans and maintains extensive personal data, including Social Security numbers, work histories, and medical records for disability applicants.
While the exact nature of the information DOGE sought remains unclear, it has been reported that Elon Musk has been investigating alleged fraud within the Social Security system. Recently, he raised alarms over what he described as "the biggest fraud in history," after discovering that 20 million individuals are listed in the Social Security database as being over 100 years old. Musk’s scrutiny has included claims of suspiciously wealthy federal employees and instances of individuals far exceeding the typical lifespan collecting benefits.
In response to King’s resignation, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields emphasized that President Trump has nominated a qualified candidate in Frank Bisignano, and that Dudek’s background as an anti-fraud expert would ensure that the SSA remains focused on its mission during this interim period. Fields reiterated the administration’s commitment to appointing capable individuals to lead government agencies, highlighting a desire to move away from bureaucratic inefficiencies.
The SSA, which disburses approximately $1.5 trillion annually in benefits, is under heightened scrutiny as it navigates these challenges. As the agency prepares for leadership changes, the implications of DOGE’s actions on the integrity of Social Security records and the privacy of millions of Americans continue to be a significant concern.