The Social Security Administration’s acting commissioner reportedly resigned over the weekend after a dispute with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) over the Elon Musk-led group’s efforts to access sensitive government records.
Michelle King, a career federal worker who had been with SSA since 1994, quit over the DOGE disagreement Saturday and was replaced by Leland Dudek, the Washington Post reported Monday.
Dudek, who has been supportive of DOGE’s efforts to root out waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government, will serve as acting commissioner of SSA until President Trump’s pick to lead the agency, Frank Bisignano, is confirmed by the Senate, according to the outlet.
DOGE staffers embedded at SSA reportedly sought access to sensitive files in the same manner they have at other federal agencies, such as the Treasury Department, since Trump established the cost-cutting initiative.
The agency has a list of every Social Security number that has ever been issued as well as work and pay history and banking information for millions of Americans.
SSA also keeps the medical records of Americans who have applied for disability benefits.
It’s unclear what specific information sought by DOGE led to King’s resignation.
