Social Security Administration's top official resigns amid data access dispute

In the United States, Michelle King resigned from her position as the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) in February 2025. Her resignation comes after she reportedly refused to grant access to sensitive data requested by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This request was part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to access various government records, raising concerns over the protection of sensitive information related to Social Security benefits, which impacts millions of Americans. King's resignation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing tension between senior government officials and the new administration's directives. Leland Dudek, who previously managed SSA's anti-fraud office, has been appointed as the new acting commissioner following King's departure. The White House confirmed that President Trump is actively seeking a permanent replacement for King, having chosen Frank Bisignano as a nominee to lead the SSA. This swift change in leadership reflects a trend of similar exits among senior officials, with several others resigning in protest or concern over the administration's aggressive pursuit of access to personal data on citizens. The decision for King to leave was said to be her own, as she did not agree with the administration’s request, highlighting her commitment to protecting sensitive information related to Social Security. Concerns have been raised by advocates like Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, regarding the potential misuse of sensitive data. She warned that DOGE's interest in accessing this information could lead to breaches that jeopardize personal data privacy. There is a growing fear that unauthorized access could result in harmful outcomes, such as altering individuals' earnings histories. Altman emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the ability to erase earnings records could dismantle the benefits system and harm those who rely on Social Security and Medicare. These developments coincide with President Trump’s broader strategy of restructuring government agencies by appointing personnel aligned with his policies. Underlying these changes is the administration's belief there is substantial fraud within the Social Security system, though previous reports indicated that only a small percentage of payments were improperly distributed. The potential for fraud identification by DOGE has not shown concrete evidence yet, leading to skepticism regarding the need for such invasive access to private data.