Since returning to office last month, President Donald Trump has embarked on a series of bold changes that extend even into the heart of the federal bureaucracy. In one unexpected turn, the top official at the Social Security Administration (SSA) has quit over the weekend—an exit linked to pressures from Elon Musk’s Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been pushing to access private records of Americans.
A Major Reshuffle at the SSA
Michelle King, who had served as acting commissioner of the SSA for 30 years and was responsible for managing benefits for 73 million retirees and disabled Americans, has stepped down from her role. According to USA Today and confirmed by the White House, her resignation comes amid mounting pressure from DOGE, which is aggressively pursuing cost-cutting and anti-fraud measures across federal agencies.
In a swift move to ensure continuity of leadership, President Trump replaced King with Leland Dudek—an experienced official from Social Security’s anti-fraud office. Additionally, Trump has nominated Frank Bisignano, president and CEO of Fiserv, to lead the SSA on a full-time basis, pending Senate confirmation. In a statement, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields declared, “President Trump is committed to appointing the best and most qualified individuals who are dedicated to working on behalf of the American people, not to appease the bureaucracy that has failed them for far too long.”
DOGE and the Push for Government Efficiency
Elon Musk’s Department for Government Efficiency has been busy making waves across various federal agencies. DOGE’s mission is to cut government costs, modernize federal technology, and root out fraud and waste. One of its more eyebrow-raising initiatives has been its attempt to access IRS computer systems that store sensitive private data—a move that has sparked controversy and drawn sharp criticism from privacy advocates.
Within the SSA, DOGE has been closely scrutinizing spending and operations. Musk himself has been vocal about his belief that significant fraud exists within the Social Security system, alleging that payments are being sent to deceased individuals listed with impossible ages. Acting head Leland Dudek has even taken to social media to praise DOGE’s efforts, lauding their role in cutting government costs and improving efficiency.
Trump’s Steady Approval Amid Turbulence
Amid these administrative shake-ups, President Trump’s approval ratings have managed to hold steady, even showing signs of stabilization after previous declines. According to several recent surveys—including one from SurveyUSA and another from Morning Consult—Trump’s job performance approval hovers around the 50-percent mark, with a net positive rating in some polls. Republican-leaning surveys, such as one conducted by Napolitan News, have reported approval ratings as high as 55 percent. These figures reflect a divided yet determined electorate, as Americans navigate the rapidly evolving political landscape.