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.

Despite all the rumors to the contrary, Social Security benefit checks are NOT being sent to people who died a long time ago.

Leland Dudek’s weekend started with a phone call removing him from his job at the Social Security Administration after giving information about the agency to DOGE, the government cost-cutting initiative associated with billionaire Elon Musk. By Monday, he was named the agency’s acting commissioner.

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.

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.