Social Security Chief Quits Over DOGE Data Access Dispute

story

3 days ago

Above: Elon Musk arrives for Pres. Donald Trump's inauguration Jan. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Kenny Holston/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated 3 days ago

The Facts

Sources on Monday revealed that Michelle King, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), resigned last weekend after refusing to grant the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to sensitive personal data of Social Security recipients.
Subsequently, US Pres. Donald Trump appointed Leland Dudek, manager of SSA's anti-fraud office, as acting commissioner. Frank Bisignano, Trump's nominee for the permanent position, is awaiting Senate confirmation.
The SSA manages pension payments for over 70M Americans, with annual payments totaling approximately $1.5T, representing about one-fifth of federal spending.

The Spin

Democratic narrative

DOGE seems determined to break the Social Security system and leave many of its recipients in the lurch. Allowing DOGE the type of data access that forced King to quit is dangerous and something must be done to make sure Dudek, a Trump loyalist, doesn't help DOGE finish its job before a permanent SSA head can be confirmed.

Independent The New Republic

Republican narrative

DOGE needs this data to root out widespread fraud. King's departure will actually aid DOGE's mission because Dudek is a fraud expert who's on the same page with the administration. This is all being done in the name of protecting taxpayer dollars while ensuring legitimate beneficiaries continue receiving their benefits.

Daily Wire Daily Caller