Michelle King, the head of the Social Security Administration, left her position after refusing a request from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access sensitive government records. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields confirmed her departure and announced the nomination of Frank Bisignano as her replacement. King’s refusal was reportedly related to the privacy of Americans’ personal data, including bank information, social security numbers, and medical records. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, criticized DOGE’s request and emphasized the importance of safeguarding such sensitive information.
President Donald Trump has appointed Leland Dudek as acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration following King’s exit. DOGE has faced scrutiny for its attempts to access sensitive information at other agencies, including the IRS and the Treasury Department. Lawsuits have been filed claiming violations of federal privacy laws, resulting in restrictions on DOGE’s access to certain systems. In response to concerns about privacy and security, a judge blocked political appointees and special government employees, including those at DOGE, from accessing sensitive information stored in the treasury.
Overall, King’s departure is part of a trend of senior officials leaving their posts after clashes with DOGE. The agency manages payments for millions of Americans, and Trump has vowed not to cut retirement benefits. The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding government access to personal data and the need to ensure the protection of individuals’ privacy.
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