What The Hell America!

Her refusal to compromise the integrity of the Social Security Administration protected millions—at the cost of her own career.

Profiles in Courage is a new series honoring the extraordinary women and men who have transformed American institutions through principled public service. At a time when trust in government is fragile, these stories offer a powerful reminder of what ethical leadership looks like—from those who litigate for civil rights and resign on principle, to those who break military barriers and defend democracy on the front lines.

This month, we spotlight women in the Department of Justice, federal agencies and the military whose careers have been defined by integrity, resilience and reform. Their quiet heroism—often at personal cost—reaffirms the enduring role of public servants who choose justice over self-interest. Through their stories, Ms. pays tribute to a tradition of service that safeguards democracy and inspires the next generation to lead with courage.

For over 30 years, Michelle King dedicated her career to safeguarding one of America’s most vital institutions—the Social Security Administration (SSA).

As acting commissioner, she oversaw the distribution of benefits to more than 72 million Americans, ensuring that retirees, disabled individuals and low-income beneficiaries received the financial support they had earned. But beyond her administrative expertise, King’s leadership was defined by integrity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and privacy of the American people.

That commitment ultimately cost her position.

In 2025, Michelle King resigned—or, as many suspect, was forced out—after refusing to grant the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to sensitive recipient data. The request, made under Elon Musk’s leadership of DOGE, raised serious concerns about privacy violations, potential misuse of taxpayer information, and the security of the nation’s most sensitive personal records.

A Stand Against Unlawful Access

The Social Security Administration maintains one of the most comprehensive and sensitive databases in the federal government, containing earnings records, medical information and personal data for nearly every American. When DOGE officials sought access to the SSA’s Enterprise Data Warehouse, King resisted, fearing unlawful or politically motivated misuse of this information.

“She was standing in the way, and they moved her out of the way,” said Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works. “They put someone in who presumably they thought would cooperate with them and give them the keys to all our personal data.”

King’s departure is part of a troubling pattern—one of several high-ranking officials who left their posts after refusing to comply with DOGE’s demands. The stakes could not be higher: “If there is an evil intent to punish perceived enemies, someone could erase your earnings record, making it impossible to collect the Social Security and Medicare benefits you have earned,” said Altman.

King understood that Social Security is not just a government program but a lifeline for millions of Americans. Her resistance to unlawful access was not about bureaucracy—it was about protecting the financial security and personal privacy of every citizen who depends on the system.

A Legacy of Service and Uncompromising Ethics

King’s departure comes at a time when the future of Social Security is under intense political scrutiny, with debates over funding, benefit protections and government oversight dominating national discourse. The SSA needs leaders of integrity, transparency and courage—precisely the qualities that made Michelle King both a formidable public servant and an irreplaceable advocate for the American people.

Her exit is a loss for the agency—but a defining moment in her legacy. She chose principle over politics, accountability over convenience, and public trust over personal security. While she may no longer be at the helm of the SSA, her stand sets a powerful precedent for government officials to uphold their duty to the people—no matter the cost.

Michelle King did not just administer benefits; she protected the foundation of Social Security itself. And for that, every American—whether they realize it or not—owes her a debt of gratitude.