By Charles Switzer
8:11am PST, Feb 18, 2025
Acting SSA Commissioner Resigns Over DOGE Dispute
The
Social Security Administration's (SSA) acting commissioner,
Michelle King, threw in the towel in mid-February following a heated dispute with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) over
Elon Musk's group's access to "sensitive" government documents.
King, a career federal employee who had been with the SSA since 1994, stepped down on Saturday, February 15, making way for
Leland Dudek, a DOGE-friendly official who will serve as acting commissioner until President
Donald Trump's nominee,
Frank Bisignano, is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
The Washington Post reported that DOGE staffers embedded at the SSA sought access to its vast database, just as they have at other federal agencies like the Treasury Department since Trump established the cost-cutting initiative.
Here are four key takeaways from the resignation, and how King's quitting shows some potential pitfalls in the Tesla CEO's leadership abilities.
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DOGE's Access to Sensitive SSA Records Sparks Concerns
The SSA database holds an immense amount of personal data, including every Social Security number ever issued, work and pay history, banking information and medical records for Americans who have applied for disability benefits. While it is unclear what specific information DOGE sought, the tension was significant enough to prompt King's abrupt resignation.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields defended the transition, stating: "President Trump has nominated the highly qualified and talented Frank Bisignano to lead the Social Security Administration, and we expect him to be swiftly confirmed in the coming weeks."
Fields further dismissed concerns about DOGE's access to sensitive information, asserting: "President Trump is committed to appointing the best and most qualified individuals who are dedicated to working on behalf of the American people, not to appease the bureaucracy that has failed them for far too long."
Musk Targets Alleged Social Security Fraud
Musk recently turned his focus to Social Security fraud, claiming to have discovered cases of individuals over 150 years old collecting benefits and suspiciously wealthy federal workers engaging in self-dealing. On Sunday, Musk voiced his disbelief on X, writing, "This might be the biggest fraud in history."
According to the
SpaceX CEO, 20 million people in the Social Security database are listed as being over 100 years old, which he suggests indicates widespread fraud within the system. His remarks have intensified concerns among critics who fear that DOGE's access to such sensitive data could be misused.
Congressman and Public React to King's Departure
King's resignation sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers, with Congressman Shri Thanedar warning about the Trump administration's ongoing purge of career government officials.
He wrote on X, "The Trump Administration is actively pushing out career government officials. This latest resignation, from the acting head of the Social Security Administration, underscores the danger of this Administration's actions. The data should not be in DOGE's hands."
Meanwhile, public reactions on social media have been divided, with some questioning King's motives for resigning.
"Leaving over disagreement with Musk? Acting commissioner Leland Dudek steps down over arguments over DOGE authority. This follows resignation of Commissioner Michele King? Are these liars trying to tell us that they fear abuse by Musk, or they fear discovery of their own abuse? I think we know the answer," one X commenter speculated.
DOGE's Growing Influence Under Musk and Trump
DOGE's increasing control over federal agencies has sparked a wave of controversy, especially as Musk and his team freeze funds and force out senior officials across departments. While Musk claims he is
rooting out corruption and government waste, critics argue his unprecedented access to federal records is dangerous.
With King's resignation and Dudek's appointment, it remains to be seen how much further DOGE will extend its reach, and whether concerns over Social Security data privacy will lead to legal battles or Congressional scrutiny in the coming weeks.
