A whistleblower alleges a former DOGE employee copied millions of Social Security data to a thumb drive when moving to a private employer, while claiming ongoing high-level access to sensitive SSA data.

The former DOGE software engineer is said to have taken restricted SSA databases, Numident and the Master Death File, and stored them on a thumb drive, tied to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative.

The whistleblower identifies John Solly as the software engineer involved, alleging he stored sensitive SSA data on a thumb drive and sought to transfer it to Leidos, where he serves as CTO for the health IT division since October.

The probe began after anonymous complaints to the SSA inspector general, which were then relayed to four congressional committees.

Leidos is noted as a major SSA contractor, with statements denying wrongdoing; the piece outlines EDEN’s potential to facilitate SSA data sharing with other entities, including other federal agencies.

DOGE officially disbanded in late 2025, but questions remain about whether its influence or practices persist under its nominal dissolution.

If true, the breach would rank among the largest in U.S. history and could be weaponized for political gain, according to Senator Ron Wyden.

Wyden calls for a full public accounting of the allegations, emphasizing the potential scale and impact of the data exposure.

A prior six-month congressional investigation warned DOGE’s data handling posed high risks, including possible need to issue new numbers for all Americans with Social Security numbers.

The report fits into a broader pattern of alleged DOGE access and mishandling of SSA data, with past whistleblowers, legal actions, and ongoing oversight.

Coverage notes related DOGE activities and controversies at SSA, citing sources like The Washington Post and WIRED about the investigation and responses.

The whistleblower suggested the individual hoped for a presidential pardon if the actions were illegal.