Social Security Administration acting commissioner Michelle King abruptly resigned this week amid tensions with DOGE employees seeking access to Americans’ private earnings histories and medical data, according to internal sources. The conflict highlights growing scrutiny over federal data security under the Trump administration.
King, a 30-year SSA veteran, departed shortly after Leland Dudek replaced her as interim leader. Two officials confirmed DOGE representatives demanded entry to the agency’s Master Data Exchange system – a repository containing birth certificates, marriage dates, disability claims, and prescription details for 70 million beneficiaries.
“This isn’t just names and addresses. We’re talking about your lifelong medical history and family relationships,” said Social Security Works president Nancy Altman. “Unauthorized access could enable identity theft or political targeting.”
Dudek pledged transparency in an agency-wide email, noting he contacted the Inspector General’s office to review operations. His appointment precedes Senate confirmation hearings for Frank Bisignano, President Trump’s permanent SSA nominee.
The White House defended the transition, with spokesperson Harrison Fields stating: “President Trump seeks leaders committed to rooting out waste, not protecting failed bureaucracies.”
DOGE’s push follows Trump’s directive to investigate alleged fraud, including:
- Duplicate payments
- Benefits sent to deceased individuals
- System vulnerabilities risking taxpayer funds
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt assured Fox News viewers: “Honest beneficiaries will see no changes. This cleanup protects those who paid into the system.”
Advocacy groups warn expanding data access without oversight could expose vulnerable populations. The SSA processed $1.2 trillion in benefits last year, making it a frequent target for cyberattacks and political battles over entitlement spending.