Michelle King, The acting head of the Social Security Administration (SSA) has resigned over requests from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access recipient data, multiple news outlets reported Tuesday.
King, who had worked at the SSA for over 30 years, stepped down after refusing to share private data with DOGE staff, according to The Associated Press.
A White House spokesperson, Harrison Fields, announced that President Trump has nominated Frank Bisignano, CEO of financial company Fiserv, to lead the SSA. Fields said they expect Bisignano to be confirmed soon. In the meantime, Leland Dudek, a Social Security fraud expert, will temporarily lead the agency.
Fields also emphasized that Trump is focused on appointing the most qualified people to serve the American public, not just filling government positions.
King’s resignation comes as part of a larger shake-up, with DOGE pushing for access to sensitive information across several federal agencies, including the IRS and Treasury Department.
While Bisignano waits for Senate confirmation, Trump chose Dudek over other senior executives, which has raised concerns within the SSA, The Washington Post reported. Former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley questioned the decision, saying that it sends a message that experienced professionals may want to leave the agency.
DOGE’s request to access private Social Security data, including Social Security numbers, Medicare details, and records related to programs like supplemental income, has raised privacy concerns. Around 72.5 million people, including retirees, the disabled, and children, rely on Social Security benefits.
