Elon Musk’s DOGE Operatives Embed in Social Security Administration, Raising Privacy and System Stability Concerns

At least 10 DOGE-affiliated staff have gained access to sensitive Social Security data as part of efforts to identify fraud, sparking fears of system failures and misuse of personal information.

Ten individuals tied to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are now embedded in the Social Security Administration (SSA), holding roles such as IT specialists and engineers.
DOGE operatives have read-only access to sensitive SSA databases, including the Master Beneficiary Record and Numident, but critics warn of potential data security risks and misuse.
SSA Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, a Trump appointee, has supported DOGE’s presence despite internal warnings about the operatives’ lack of expertise and potential to disrupt critical systems.
Elon Musk and Donald Trump have made unsubstantiated claims about widespread Social Security fraud, with Musk labeling the system a 'Ponzi scheme' and targeting payments to deceased individuals.
SSA employees and former officials have raised alarms about operational disruptions, such as restricted spending on basic supplies and the risk of sensitive information being exposed or mishandled.

Cleveland Plain Dealer