Data analyst Leland Dudek was suspected of sharing unauthorized access to information with the U.S. DOGE Service. Now he’s the acting Social Security commissioner.

President Donald Trump incorrectly interpreted data shared by Elon Musk when he misleadingly claimed on Feb. 18 that “millions and millions of people over 100 years old” may be receiving improper benefits from Social Security.

In a bold move, the acting head of the Social Security Administration has denied Elon Musk's request for confidential beneficiary information, aiming to protect sensitive data amidst plans for public spending cuts.

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.

When people think of Social Security, they typically think of monthly benefits — for the roughly 69 million retirees, disabled workers, dependents and survivors who receive them today.

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.

President Trump has linked two budget items, and that may be a good idea. Trump wants to extend his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and provide some other tax breaks, and we need to fix Social Security. The link between tax cuts and Social Security exists because one of Trump’s new tax-cutting proposals would exempt Social Security benefits from taxation under the federal income tax.

The latest cost-of-living projection for 2026 shows that seniors could see less of an increase than last year, according to the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League

Spousal benefits are a special type of Social Security for married, divorced, or widowed older adults. You could receive hundreds of dollars per month on top of your standard retirement benefit. Not everyone qualifies,

Retirees who count on Social Security should prepare for a relatively meager cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their benefits in 2026. Learn More: 3 Changes That Could Be Coming to Social