Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek initially threatened to cease operations at the agency after a federal judge blocked Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff from accessing sensitive data. The judge ruled that DOGE was engaged in a “fishing expedition” for fraud without valid reasons. Dudek criticized the ruling and threatened to terminate access to sensitive data for all agency employees, considering them all “DOGE affiliates.” However, the judge clarified that her ruling should not affect ordinary agency operations, only those involved with DOGE activities.
Dudek later retracted his threat after receiving clarifying guidance from the court, stating that agency operations would continue under the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). His predecessor, Michelle King, left the agency after refusing to comply with DOGE’s request for sensitive government records. This ruling is part of several attempts by DOGE employees to access private data at various federal agencies, with one instance involving a federal judge blocking access to Treasury Department information. Another DOGE staffer was granted limited access to anonymized taxpayer information within the IRS through an agreement.
In summary, the threat to cease operations at the Social Security Administration due to restrictions on data access by DOGE employees has been reversed following a judge’s clarification. The agency will continue operations under the Temporary Restraining Order, with only those involved with DOGE activities affected by the ruling.
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