A high-stakes dispute over sensitive government records access leads to a sudden leadership change at one of America's largest federal agencies.
According to the New York Post, Michelle King, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), resigned on Saturday following a confrontation with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) regarding their attempts to access confidential government records.
The resignation marks the end of King's nearly three-decade career at SSA, where she had served since 1994. Leland Dudek, who has expressed support for DOGE's anti-fraud initiatives, has been appointed as the interim leader until Frank Bisignano, President Trump's nominee for the position, receives Senate confirmation.
DOGE personnel embedded within SSA have been seeking access to sensitive files, following a pattern established at other federal agencies like the Treasury Department. This initiative stems from Trump's cost-cutting program aimed at identifying government inefficiencies.
The Social Security Administration maintains extensive databases containing the personal information of more than 70 million Americans. These records include all Social Security numbers ever issued, employment histories, payment records, and banking details of benefit recipients.
The agency also holds medical records for disability benefit applicants, making it one of the largest repositories of sensitive personal data in the federal government.
Elon Musk, serving as a special government employee, has recently raised concerns about potential Social Security fraud. His investigation has revealed what he describes as suspicious patterns in the system.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields provided the following statement:
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. In the meantime, the agency will be led by a career Social Security anti-fraud expert as the acting commissioner. 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.
The Tesla CEO expressed particular concern about his findings on X, where he stated: "This might be the biggest fraud in history."
The SSA manages approximately $1.5 trillion in annual benefit payments, making it a significant target for efficiency reviews. The specific nature of the information DOGE sought remains undisclosed, but it triggered enough concern to prompt King's departure.
The transition occurs as DOGE expands its presence across federal agencies, implementing data access protocols similar to those established at the Treasury Department. This systematic approach to reviewing government operations has generated both support and resistance from career civil servants.
The White House maintains that these measures align with Trump's commitment to government efficiency while preserving Social Security benefits for seniors.
Michelle King's departure from the Social Security Administration occurred amid escalating tensions over DOGE's attempts to access sensitive government records. The resignation highlights the ongoing conflict between established bureaucratic procedures and the Trump administration's aggressive approach to government oversight through DOGE. As Leland Dudek assumes temporary leadership and Frank Bisignano awaits Senate confirmation, the agency faces increased scrutiny of its vast data repositories while maintaining its crucial role in distributing Social Security benefits to millions of Americans.
