Overview

• Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency installed former Palantir intern Akash Bobba with full access to sensitive personal data on hundreds of millions of Americans.
• Acting SSA commissioner Michelle King was dismissed for refusing to grant Bobba data access; Leland Dudek was appointed in her place.
• DOGE’s unsubstantiated claims of “massive fraud” in Social Security payments prompted significant staff cuts and operational turmoil at the agency.
• Federal courts have barred DOGE from accessing the data, but Musk’s team pressured SSA officials to disregard the injunction.
• The SSA is pursuing legal challenges to regain control of its systems and is working to restore service after months of disruptions.