Michelle King left the Social Security Administration in February 2025 after more than 30 years at the agency. The Associated Press reported, citing two people familiar with her departure who were not authorized to discuss it publicly, that she left after refusing DOGE staff requests for access to sensitive information. King has not publicly confirmed that explanation in the sources available here.
What was reported about King’s departure?
AP attributed the departure to a dispute over DOGE access, but that account came from unnamed sources—not a public explanation from King. AP reported that the White House replaced King with Leland Dudek as acting commissioner. The White House described Dudek as a career SSA anti-fraud expert.
These are distinct accounts: AP’s report about why King left, the White House’s description of Dudek, and Dudek’s later public statements about DOGE access. None should be treated as confirmation of the others.
What did the SSA say about DOGE access?
In a February 19, 2025 statement, Dudek said DOGE personnel could read information but could not change agency systems, benefit payments, or other information. His words were: “DOGE personnel CANNOT make changes to agency systems, benefit payments, or other information. They only have READ access.”
#1 Best Overall
Dudek also said the agency’s first call after he became acting commissioner was to its Inspector General, and that he invited the Government Accountability Office to observe agency business. He characterized DOGE’s work as part of the administration’s effort to identify fraud, waste, and abuse.
These statements describe the agency’s public position; they are not an independent audit of every access event. AP’s report about King’s departure separately described an access dispute. The available accounts do not establish the full scope of access or independently reconcile the chronology.
Did records for millions of very old people show they were receiving benefits?
No. A Social Security record without a date of death does not by itself show that the person is receiving benefits. Dudek made that distinction in his February 19 statement: “These individuals are not necessarily receiving benefits.”
AP’s February 19 explainer reported that roughly 18.9 million Social Security numbers associated with people born in 1920 or earlier were not marked deceased. That is a count of records with a particular status, not a count of active benefit recipients.
How large was the improper-payment issue?
AP reported that the SSA paid almost $8.6 trillion in benefits from fiscal years 2015 through 2022, including $71.8 billion in improper payments, citing a July 2024 report from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. The $71.8 billion represents less than 1% of benefits over that same period; AP said most erroneous payments were overpayments to living people.
The figures provide context for the administration’s stated focus on fraud, waste, and abuse, but they do not establish that DOGE’s access was necessary, appropriate, or responsible for preventing improper payments.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened after Dudek became acting commissioner?
On February 19, 2025, Dudek said he was acting commissioner pending Senate confirmation of Frank Bisignano. On September 3, 2025, SSA announced that Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano had named an executive leadership team and reorganized agency operations into Field Operations, Processing Centers, and Digital Services, while consolidating security functions. That later announcement is a separate development from the February report about King’s departure.
Quick Recap
What remains unclear?
- King has not publicly given her own account of why she left in the sources cited here.
- The available sources do not provide a full access log or an independent audit of DOGE activity at SSA.
- The sources do not establish that the original access dispute was publicly resolved.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
