In a dramatic shakeup that underscores the Trump administration’s bold efforts to rein in federal

bureaucracy, Michelle King—who had served as the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) for 30 years—has resigned from her position. The move comes amid mounting pressure from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has demanded access to private records of millions of Americans, a request that critics say could lead to sweeping changes in how federal benefits are managed.

This unexpected resignation, first reported by USA Today, marks the end of an era for an agency that oversees benefits for 73 million retirees and disabled individuals. King’s departure has prompted President Trump’s administration to act quickly, replacing her with Leland Dudek, a career anti‑fraud expert from within the SSA. In the coming weeks, the administration plans to confirm Frank Bisignano—president and CEO of Fiserv—as the new head of Social Security on a full‑time basis, pending Senate confirmation.

I. A Longstanding Legacy Comes to an End

For three decades, Michelle King has been at the helm of the Social Security Administration, guiding the agency through countless challenges and ensuring that vital benefits reached millions of Americans. Known for her deep commitment to public service, King was respected for her expertise and the steady leadership she brought to an agency critical to the nation’s social safety net.

Her resignation on the weekend came as a surprise to many, as King had long been a fixture at the SSA. In her final days at the agency, her decision was attributed to internal pressures from DOGE—an initiative launched by Elon Musk aimed at identifying waste and eliminating inefficiencies across federal agencies. According to the White House, King’s departure was a direct response to DOGE’s repeated requests to access private records, a move intended to uncover potential fraud and cut unnecessary spending.