Tue Feb 18 04:02:37 UTC 2025: ## Social Security Acting Commissioner Resigns Amidst Data Access Dispute

**Washington, D.C. –** The Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Michelle King, resigned over the weekend after refusing to grant access to sensitive recipient data to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to sources familiar with the matter. King, a 30-year veteran of the agency, reportedly resisted DOGE’s requests for access to information held by the SSA.

The White House swiftly appointed Leland Dudek, a current SSA employee, as the new Acting Commissioner. A statement released Monday night by White House spokesperson Harrison Fields announced President Donald Trump’s nomination of Frank Bisignano to permanently lead the SSA, pending Senate confirmation. Fields described Bisignano as “highly qualified” and emphasized the President’s commitment to appointing individuals dedicated to serving the American people.

This resignation is one of several high-profile departures linked to concerns over DOGE’s attempts to access private taxpayer information. DOGE has already accessed Treasury payment systems and is reportedly seeking access to Internal Revenue Service databases. These actions have raised significant alarm.

Elon Musk, a billionaire advisor to President Trump, has been deeply involved in federal agencies through DOGE, largely avoiding public scrutiny. Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works, a prominent advocacy group, described DOGE’s actions as a “serious breach,” highlighting the sensitive nature of the data held by the SSA, which includes information on virtually all Americans. Altman warned of the potential for malicious misuse of this data, including the possibility of altering earnings records to prevent individuals from receiving benefits.

With approximately 72.5 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits, the future of the program remains a critical political issue.

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