Elon Musk’s team has descended on an already understaffed Social Security Administration, which now faces further workforce cuts and closures of vital local offices. The consequences could be significant for millions of the most vulnerable Americans.

KEY TAKEAWAYS The previous acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration left after Elon Musk's DOGE attempt to access sensitive government records.Lee Dudek has been appointed the administration’s acting commissioner pending the Senate Confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominee.

Amazingly, Leland was fired by Social Security Administration upper management for helping @DOGE find taxpayer savings. Can you believe that??” Musk posted Wednesday night on X, his social media platform.

DOGE has limited "read only" access to data and will not disrupt or delay the disbursement of payments to beneficiaries, SSA Acting Commissioner Dudek said.