A major leadership shift has rocked the Social Security Administration (SSA) as Acting Commissioner Michelle King abruptly stepped down following a high-stakes dispute over access to sensitive American records. Sources confirm that DOGE employees sought entry into a critical internal data system, sparking tensions that led to King’s exit and the appointment of Leland Dudek as her replacement.
King, a 30-year veteran of the agency, was removed from her role just as the White House intensified efforts to root out fraud in Social Security payments. The battle over control of the data—described by experts as an expansive vault of personal and financial records—raises serious questions about privacy, oversight, and government transparency.
DOGE and the Fight Over Social Security Data
According to Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, the SSA’s database is one of the most comprehensive in existence, storing:
- Earnings records for every American
- Benefit payment history
- Spousal and marital records
- Medical files of disability applicants
While it remains unclear whether DOGE employees successfully gained access, the power struggle underscores a growing battle over government data and fraud prevention efforts.
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New Commissioner Pledges Transparency
Following King’s departure, Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek sent an urgent message to SSA staff, promising accountability and openness.
“My first call as Acting Commissioner was to our Inspector General’s Office to ensure oversight and review of all agency activities,” Dudek wrote. “Transparency is at the heart of good government.”
Meanwhile, the White House doubled down, reaffirming that President Trump’s nominee, Frank Bisignano, is expected to take permanent leadership soon.
White House Taps DOGE to Investigate Social Security Fraud
In a bold move, President Donald Trump deployed Elon Musk and DOGE to investigate fraud within the Social Security Administration.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, DOGE’s mission is clear-cut and aggressive:
- Eliminate duplicate payments
- Cut off Social Security benefits to deceased individuals
- Ensure benefits reach only legitimate, hardworking Americans
“This is about protecting Social Security for those who paid into the system their entire lives,” Leavitt said in a Fox News interview. “If you’re eligible, you will continue to receive your checks.”
What’s Next for Social Security?
With King’s departure, the agency enters a critical transition—one that could redefine how Social Security funds are managed and protected. The power struggle over access to American data, combined with an unprecedented push for fraud prevention, makes it clear that this is only the beginning of a much larger fight.
The Washington Post was the first to report King’s resignation.
