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

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to sensitive data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), fueling concerns about the program's stability and privacy.

The move has led to the replacement of Michelle King, the acting head of SSA, with Leland Dudek, an anti-fraud official. Frank Bisignano, Trump's nominee, will oversee the agency upon Senate confirmation.

DOGE's Access to Sensitive Data

Musk's team has reportedly obtained access to Social Security numbers, medical histories, and earnings records of all Americans. Critics argue that such broad access is unnecessary to address fraud concerns.

Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, raised concerns about the lack of privacy protections. "This is a fishing expedition," she said. "Whatever they want, that's why we have privacy laws."

Musk's Motives and Claims

Musk has justified the moves by citing allegations of unlawful Social Security check issuances and illegal immigration. However, the billionaire has also expressed broader reform intentions.

He has claimed that Social Security checks are tied to illegal immigration and suggested that the program could be involved in widespread fraud.

History of Political Clashes

The SSA has been a target of political clashes for decades. Musk's actions have reignited concerns about potential reforms that could impact benefits.

Altman, a longtime advocate for Social Security, expressed worry that deeper reforms could be on the horizon.

Trump's Support and Claims of Fraud

President Trump has supported DOGE's actions and directed it to investigate fraud. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has claimed that "tens of millions" of deceased people are receiving payments.

However, the Social Security Administration's inspector general has found that improper payments account for only a small fraction of expenditures.

Concerns About Programming Quirks

Critics point to a programming quirk in the COBOL computer language that runs the SSA program. This quirk may have led to the false claim of 150-year-olds receiving checks.