A major shake-up has rocked the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) following the sudden resignation of its top official amid a heated dispute over access to sensitive personal data.
Michelle King, a veteran official with over three decades of service, stepped down from her role as acting commissioner after clashing with employees from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to sources familiar with the situation. The conflict reportedly stemmed from DOGE’s push to access the agency’s internal data system, which contains highly confidential information about millions of Americans.
The move comes as the administration intensifies efforts to eliminate fraud and reduce government spending. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, raised concerns about the potential risks of such access, emphasizing the depth of personal records stored within the SSA’s system.
“It’s your entire earnings record. If you’re a beneficiary, it’s your benefits, your spouse’s name, marriage and divorce history, and even detailed medical records if you’ve applied for disability,” Altman told ABC News.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump’s nominee for SSA commissioner, Frank Bisignano, is set to undergo Senate confirmation. Meanwhile, the administration has reportedly tasked billionaire Elon Musk and DOGE with identifying fraudulent activity within the agency.
In a recent FOX News interview, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that Musk has been given a key role in the administration’s broader crackdown on federal inefficiencies. Trump himself referred to Musk as “Enforcer-in-Chief” in a recent statement, underscoring the administration’s aggressive stance on government waste.
Since taking office on January 20, 2025, Trump has prioritized rooting out fraud across federal agencies, with DOGE leading the charge. The latest developments signal a dramatic shift in oversight at the Social Security Administration, raising questions about the extent of government intervention in personal data access and financial records.