Elon Musk's DOGE Targets Social Security Administration, Raising Alarms

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to sensitive data held by the Social Security Administration (SSA), causing concern over privacy and program stability.

Rapid Leadership Shakeup

The move resulted in the replacement of Michelle King, acting head of the SSA, with Leland Dudek, an anti-fraud official. This has raised questions about the motivation and legality of DOGE's actions.

Access to Sensitive Data

Critics, like Nancy Altman of Social Security Works, allege that DOGE now has "access to everything," including Social Security numbers, medical histories, and earnings histories of every American. This has sparked concerns about potential misuses of this information.

Musk's Stated Goals

Musk claims to aim to combat fraudulent claims, citing allegations of Social Security checks being issued to deceased individuals. However, Altman suggests that these goals could be achieved without the blanket access currently granted to DOGE.

Pattern of Access Attempts

DOGE's actions against the SSA follow a pattern of seeking access to sensitive information at various agencies, including the US Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service.

Sensitive Program

The SSA is a vital program that provides assistance to millions of Americans, making it a highly sensitive target. Political commentator George W. Bush once referred to it as "the third rail of American politics."

Historical Clashes over Social Security

The conflict between Musk and the SSA is part of a long history of political clashes surrounding this program. Altman worries that deeper reforms may be imminent, aligning with the views of left-leaning figures who advocate for increased benefits.

Claims of Widespread Fraud

Musk and Trump aides have made unsubstantiated claims of widespread Social Security fraud, including the presence of deceased individuals receiving payments. However, an audit by the SSA's inspector general found a low rate of improper payments.

Programming Issue behind "150-Year-Olds"

The allegation of 150-year-old recipients may stem from a programming issue in the COBOL language used by the SSA. The default date of May 20, 1875, is assigned when a birth date is missing.