Michelle King resigns as SSA commissioner clash with Musk’s DOGE over Social Security data access

The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration after a clash with Musk’s DOGE.

Michelle King, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), has resigned following a dispute with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) over access to confidential Social Security recipient data. King, a veteran official with over 30 years at the SSA, reportedly stepped down after resisting DOGE’s request, citing privacy, security, and legal concerns under the Federal Privacy Act.

DOGE, established to streamline federal operations and reduce government spending, sought SSA data access to detect fraudulent claims and enhance efficiency. However, the SSA enforces strict privacy protocols to safeguard millions of Americans' sensitive personal and financial data. Critics argue that expanding access to such records could set a dangerous precedent and open the door for potential misuse of information.

A similar push by DOGE to access the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Integrated Data Retrieval System previously sparked controversy. Privacy advocates and IRS officials warned against potential confidentiality breaches, emphasizing the need for strict oversight in government data-sharing practices. (Source: IRS Official Website)

Following King’s resignation, Leland Dudek was appointed as the new acting commissioner of the SSA. Dudek, known for advocating data-driven efficiency measures, has previously worked on government modernization initiatives. His appointment suggests a potential shift in SSA’s stance, as he is expected to facilitate smoother collaboration with DOGE. However, no formal policy changes have been announced yet.

The resignation has triggered political debate over the balance between government efficiency and citizen privacy. Some officials support DOGE’s reform efforts, arguing that data access can curb fraud, while privacy advocates and lawmakers warn against expanding government surveillance without proper safeguards. As the federal government continues pushing modernization efforts, the tension between privacy and efficiency is unlikely to subside.