Political Power Struggle Over Social Security Data – As President Trump’s administration pushes for greater control over federal agencies, concerns mount over the Department of Government Efficiency’s access to Social Security records. What’s at stake for millions of Americans?
BY PC Bureau
The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Michelle King, has stepped down after more than 30 years of service, following a dispute over federal access to Social Security recipient information. According to media report , King’s departure was triggered by her refusal to provide the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with access to sensitive Social Security records.
Her resignation over the weekend marks a significant shake-up at the SSA, an agency responsible for overseeing the benefits of millions of retirees, disabled individuals, and children. The White House has since appointed Leland Dudek, a career SSA official, as her interim replacement, while President Donald Trump has nominated banking executive Frank Bisignano for the permanent role.
Democrat Michelle King, head of the Social Security Administration, RESIGNS after dispute with DOGE staff which revealed 20 million dead people on the Social Security database😳 pic.twitter.com/F9R3PGljPP
— Giordano Bruno (@GioBruno1600) February 18, 2025
Tensions Over Data Access
Sources indicate that DOGE, a group led by Trump’s billionaire adviser Elon Musk, has been attempting to gain entry into multiple government data systems, raising concerns about privacy, oversight, and potential misuse of personal information. DOGE has reportedly already accessed Treasury payment systems and is now seeking entry into Internal Revenue Service (IRS) databases, in addition to the SSA’s extensive records.
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Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group dedicated to protecting Social Security benefits, described the situation as “an unprecedented breach of trust and security.” She warned that if DOGE’s access goes unchecked, it could put millions of Americans at risk.
“The information collected and securely held by the Social Security Administration is highly sensitive,” Altman explained. “SSA has data on virtually every American who holds a Social Security number, including those enrolled in Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If there is an intent to punish political opponents or perceived enemies, someone could erase an individual’s earnings record, making it impossible for them to collect Social Security and Medicare benefits they have earned.”
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Concerns over data manipulation, political retribution, and potential fraud have escalated, particularly in the wake of other high-profile resignations within federal agencies over similar disputes. King’s departure adds to a growing list of officials who have either resigned or been pushed out after raising red flags about DOGE’s expanding influence.
The White House’s Response
In response to King’s resignation, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields issued a statement late Monday, emphasizing the administration’s focus on appointing what it considers to be qualified leadership.
“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,” Fields said. “In the meantime, the agency will be led by a career Social Security anti-fraud expert as the acting commissioner.”
He 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.”
While the administration downplayed King’s departure as a routine leadership transition, critics argue that it signals a deeper conflict within the federal government over data access and control.
Broader Implications for Social Security
King’s resignation and the controversy surrounding DOGE’s role in federal agencies have reignited debates over the future of Social Security. With more than 72.5 million Americans relying on Social Security benefits—including retirees, disabled individuals, and low-income families—any disruption or perceived tampering with SSA data could have far-reaching consequences.
The security of federal data has been a major political issue, particularly since the 2024 election, during which Social Security was a contentious topic of debate. Questions remain about whether DOGE’s push for access is part of a larger effort to reform, privatize, or control Social Security in ways that could alter how benefits are distributed in the future.
What Happens Next?
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are on Congress, which could take steps to investigate DOGE’s activities and its access to federal systems. Meanwhile, watchdog groups and legal experts are calling for increased safeguards to protect Social Security data from unauthorized use.
With President Trump’s nominee for SSA leadership awaiting confirmation, the battle over control of federal agencies—and the sensitive information they hold—appears far from over.
