Social Security Acting Commissioner Says Elon Musk’s DOGE Is ‘Critical’ To the Administration
Key Points
- The former acting commissioner of the Social Security Agency left after Elon Musk’s governor tried to access sensitive government records.
- Lee Dudek was appointed acting commissioner of the administration, awaiting Senate confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominee.
- Dudek said Doge is crucial to the agency and clarified that Doge personnel can read but cannot change sensitive government data.
The interim leader of the Social Security Bureau set out to clear the air Wednesday after the weekend riot.
Long-term social security worker Lee Dudek has been appointed acting commissioner of the administration, awaiting Senate confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominee Frank Bisignano. After Michelle King left on the weekend, Dudek occupied the mantel.
King, who was appointed acting commissioner for the Social Security Bureau last month, left the position this weekend after a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff attempted to access sensitive government records. Washington Post Report.
President Donald Trump appoints unofficial government agencies led by Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk Cut government spending. According to AP News, Doge has access to other sensitive government data, including treasury data with social security and Medicare customer payment systems, and is seeking sensitive taxpayer data in the IRS.
“It is a key part of President Trump’s commitment to identifying fraud, waste and abuse, and a better way for the administration to provide assistance to its people,” Dudek said in a statement Wednesday.
He clarified that Doge personnel can read but cannot change the agency’s system, benefit payments or other information. In addition, Dudek said the Social Security Agency will not expect payments or service interruptions.
Dudek also invited the Office of Government Accountability, a non-partisan and independent body working for Congress, to observe the Social Security Bureau.