Acting SSA Commissioner Resigns Amid Standoff Over Data Access

The departure of Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Michelle King, due to a conflict over access to recipient data, marks another major leadership change as the Trump administration continues its reorganization efforts across government agencies.

Acting Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Michelle King has reportedly resigned following a conflict concerning access to recipient information. This decision comes amidst ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to reorganize various federal agencies.

Sources indicate that King declined to provide requested data to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), resulting in her unexpected departure. Leland Dudek has been appointed as the new acting commissioner by the White House as part of this leadership transition.

King's exit occurs within a larger context of the administration's initiative to reshape federal departments, an endeavor that has already resulted in the dismissal of numerous probationary employees, with many others opting for voluntary buyouts.

The White House has officially confirmed the leadership change, with spokesperson Harrison Fields noting that the SSA will be temporarily overseen by a "career Social Security anti-fraud expert" until a permanent nominee is confirmed by President Donald Trump.

As the administration advances its restructuring agenda, King's resignation at the SSA underscores a commitment to enhancing control and efficiency within federal operations. The full ramifications of this leadership change and the implications for the SSA remain to be fully understood.