Sen. Wyden, Democrats raise concerns over DOGE access to Social Security data

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is joining a group of Democrats voicing concerns over the Department of Government Efficiency’s access to sensitive data held by the Social Security Administration.

In a letter sent Wednesday to Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek, the group of senators demanded answers about DOGE’s activity within the agency – including whether Dudek has disclosed sensitive financial information to any unauthorized individuals outside of the SSA, whether DOGE members have access to SSA data, and steps being taken to prevent DOGE from stopping Social Security payments or using personally identifiable information held by the agency for political purposes.

The letter — which was also signed by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) — also expressed concerns over former Acting Social Security Commissioner Michelle King stepping down after DOGE requested access to sensitive data, as reported by The Associated Press.

“We write to express deep concern regarding disturbing reports that the president replaced SSA Acting Commissioner Michelle King for refusing to provide Elon Musk and DOGE access to the agency’s most sensitive data without proper documentation, and that you have provided DOGE unfettered access,” the senators wrote. “Providing access to personally identifiable information on hundreds of millions of Americans stored by SSA to DOGE employees without a legitimate reason, and in apparent disregard for privacy laws, regulations, and procedures, raises serious concerns about the security of that data and what DOGE plans to do with it.” 

The senators additionally sought to debunk claims made online by White House advisor Elon Musk about people over the age of 150 receiving Social Security benefits.

“Over the past weekend, Elon Musk repeatedly posted and reposted a false claim that millions of individuals over age 150 are receiving benefits. These claims are so easily disproven, and have been repeatedly, that this cannot be a justifiable reason to need complete access to all data housed at SSA,” the senators continued.

As reported by AP, while improper Social Security payments have been made, including to dead people, the number of those instances are “overstated and misrepresent Social Security data.”