In a shocking turn of events, a high-ranking official at the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced their departure from the agency, citing a disagreement with Elon Musk‘s team over a request for sensitive government data. This marks the latest in a series of high-profile exits by top career staffers from the administration.

According to sources, the SSA official was asked to provide Musk’s team with access to confidential information regarding social security benefits and recipient data. The request was allegedly made by Musk’s Digital Operations Group for Elon (DOGE), a team responsible for managing the billionaire entrepreneur’s online presence and digital initiatives.

However, the SSA official reportedly raised concerns about the legitimacy of the request, citing concerns over data privacy and security. The official argued that sharing sensitive information with a private entity, even one affiliated with a prominent figure like Musk, would be a breach of protocol and potentially compromise the confidentiality of social security recipients’ data.

The disagreement ultimately led to the SSA official’s decision to leave the agency, sparking speculation about the motivations behind Musk’s team’s request for sensitive government data. Critics have raised questions about the potential misuse of such information, particularly given Musk’s history of using his online presence to influence public opinion and shape policy debates.

The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the role of government agencies in protecting sensitive information and the need for greater transparency in data sharing practices. As the SSA searches for a replacement for the departing official, lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for greater scrutiny of data requests from private entities and increased accountability for government agencies in safeguarding confidential information.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the SSA confirmed the official’s departure, citing “differences in opinion” over data sharing practices. Musk’s team has yet to comment on the matter, fueling speculation about the true nature of their request and the motivations behind it. As the controversy unfolds, one thing is clear: the departure of the SSA official serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting sensitive government data and the need for greater transparency in the digital age.