Summary
Michelle King, the top Social Security official, resigned after refusing Elon Musk’s request for sensitive records, including Social Security numbers and bank data.
Trump appointed Leland Dudek as acting commissioner and nominated Frank Bisignano for the role.
Nancy Altman of Social Security Works condemned DOGE’s request, warning, “I don’t think you can overstate how serious this breach is.”
DOGE’s similar attempts at the IRS and Treasury have sparked legal challenges over privacy concerns.
There are always very good reasons for pulling up stakes in the current climate but we can and should put social pressure on these people until they share those good reasons. And maybe they can’t right now but don’t let them off the hook because you can imagine a reasonable scenario.