Acting head of Social Security Administration Michelle King resigns after dispute with DOGE: report
Share and Follow

According to reports, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration stepped down recently following a disagreement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) regarding the attempts of Elon Musk’s organization to obtain confidential government data.

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 on 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. 

SSA, which manages Social Security payments for more than 70 million Americans, holds troves of personal data. 

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. 

“President Trump has nominated the highly qualified and talented Frank Bisignano to lead the Social Security Administration, and we expect him to be swiftly confirmed in the coming weeks,” White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement to The Post.

“In the meantime, the agency will be led by a career Social Security anti-fraud expert as the acting commissioner,” Fields added. “President Trump is committed to appointing the best and most qualified individuals who are dedicated to working on behalf of the American people, not to appease the bureaucracy that has failed them for far too long.”

The SSA did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment. 

King’s resignation comes as DOGE chief Elon Musk has recently been scrutinizing alleged Social Security fraud, claiming to have found instances of 150-year-old people collecting Social Security benefits and suspiciously rich federal workers who he suspects of self-dealing.

The Tesla and X CEO-turned-special government employee expressed disbelief on Sunday after uncovering that 20 million people are listed in the Social Security database as over the age of 100 years old.

“This might be the biggest fraud in history,” Musk wrote on X. 

SSA pays out about $1.5 trillion in social security benefits annually. 

Trump has pledged not to cut the social security benefits for seniors. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
5 big immigration changes taking effect across the US

Discover 5 Major Shifts in US Immigration Policies Happening Now

In 2025, the landscape of immigration policies in the United States underwent…
Jacksonville council's late meeting sees budget debate

Unauthorized Gun Log Discovered in Jacksonville: State Investigation Uncovers Lack of Approval

An inquiry revealed that a manager was responsible for maintaining a record…
Germany warns Russia could attack NATO by 2029 as intelligence threat assessments mount

Putin Pledges Triumph in Ukraine as Trump-Supported Peace Talks Gain Momentum

In a resolute New Year’s address, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a…
Where to Watch The 2026 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Countdown Live Online

Discover the Best Online Spots to Stream the 2026 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Live

New Year’s Eve offers countless ways to celebrate, and there’s truly no…
'Life After Lockup' star accused of assaulting her husband at vacation rental: 'Can’t NOTHING break me!'

Drama Unleashed: ‘Life After Lockup’ Star Faces Assault Allegations in Vacation Rental Scandal

A star from the reality series “Life After Lockup” found herself in…
Ellen DeGeneres ramps up US return rumors on giddy California stroll

Ellen DeGeneres Sparks US Comeback Speculation During Joyful California Walk

Ellen DeGeneres has reignited speculation about her potential return to the U.S.…
What to know about Trump administration freezing federal child care funds

Key Insights on the Trump Administration’s Halt on Federal Child Care Funding

The Trump administration has decided to halt child care funding for all…
Humboldt Park sub shop owner Asif Amin Cheema faces deportation after arrest by ICE last September

Local Hero or Deportation Target? Humboldt Park Sub Shop Owner’s Battle with ICE

CHICAGO — The past few months have been particularly challenging for a…