Top Social Security official exits after clash with Musk’s DOGE over data

The Washington Post

15:53 JST, February 18, 2025

The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration left her job this weekend after a clash with billionaire Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service over their attempts to access sensitive government records, three people familiar with her departure said Monday.

Michelle King, who spent several decades at the agency before being named its acting commissioner last month, has now left her position after the disagreement, the people said.

President Donald Trump appointed Leland Dudek, a manager in charge of Social Security’s anti-fraud office, as acting commissioner while Frank Bisignano, the president’s nominee for permanent commissioner, is vetted by the Senate, according to three individuals who spoke on the condition anonymity to speak candidly. A public announcement is expected this week. Dudek had posted positive remarks on social media about DOGE’s efforts to cut costs and search for fraud in federal agencies, according to two of the individuals.

The White House declined to comment on the developments. However, White House officials have said that Musk’s associates are being properly vetted and have the proper security clearances before they are appointed to official roles in the agencies they are helping scrutinize. Administration officials have also been skeptical of career employees’ efforts to guard federal data, which they have maintained political appointees should also be able to access, particularly if necessary to root out wasteful or erroneous spending.

The Social Security Administration is responsible for managing pension payments for more than 70 million American seniors and manages significant troves of personal data, including those related to Americans’ work and pay history, and where they live. It was not immediately clear precisely which data the Musk associates wanted or the exact circumstances leading to King’s departure.