A group of Democratic senators, led by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, is raising alarms over the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its potential access to sensitive information stored by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In a letter sent Wednesday to Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek, the lawmakers questioned whether DOGE’s involvement could pose serious threats to the privacy and security of millions of Americans’ personal data.
The letter, also signed by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), demands clarity on several critical issues, including:
- Whether unauthorized individuals connected to DOGE have accessed sensitive SSA data.
- The extent of DOGE’s access to personal information, including financial records and Social Security benefits data.
- Measures being taken to prevent DOGE from using this information for political purposes or halting payments to recipients.
Concerns Over Leadership Changes at the SSA
The senators also expressed concern about reports that Michelle King, the former Acting Social Security Commissioner, stepped down after allegedly refusing DOGE’s request for access to sensitive data.
According to reports by the Associated Press, King was replaced by Leland Dudek after rejecting DOGE’s request, raising suspicions about whether political pressure influenced the leadership change.
“Providing access to personally identifiable information on hundreds of millions of Americans stored by SSA to DOGE employees without a legitimate reason, and in apparent disregard for privacy laws, regulations, and procedures, raises serious concerns about the security of that data,” the senators wrote.
Privacy Concerns and Potential Legal Violations
The letter highlights potential violations of the Privacy Act of 1974, which requires federal agencies to protect personal information and limits how and when such data can be shared.
The senators argue that allowing DOGE access without clear legal authority could undermine longstanding privacy protections and open the door to political misuse of sensitive personal data.
There is also concern that DOGE could interfere with the distribution of Social Security benefits by:
- Stopping or delaying payments for political purposes.
- Using personal information to target individuals or groups based on political motivations.
Debunking False Claims by Elon Musk
The senators also took aim at recent online claims made by Elon Musk, who serves as a senior advisor to President Trump and plays a leading role in DOGE. Musk falsely suggested that millions of people over the age of 150 are receiving Social Security benefits, a claim that has no basis in reality.
“These claims are so easily disproven, and have been repeatedly, that this cannot be a justifiable reason to need complete access to all data housed at SSA,” the senators stated.
While there have been isolated cases of improper Social Security payments—such as benefits mistakenly sent to deceased individuals—these instances are rare and often misrepresented in public discussions.
What’s Next?
The senators are demanding that Commissioner Dudek provide detailed answers to their concerns, including:
- A full account of any data accessed by DOGE within the SSA.
- Clarification on whether DOGE staff have appropriate security clearances.
- Assurance that no Social Security payments have been halted or interfered with for political reasons.
This letter follows growing public pressure and legal challenges from privacy watchdogs and state attorneys general over DOGE’s increasingly controversial role in federal data access.
Key Developments to Watch
- March 24, 2025: Deadline for the Treasury Department to certify that DOGE staff have completed cybersecurity training (relevant to related cases).
- Pending Congressional Hearings: Several lawmakers have called for hearings to investigate DOGE’s actions within federal agencies.
- Ongoing Lawsuits: Multiple lawsuits from privacy groups and state attorneys general are still in progress to limit DOGE’s data access.
