Whistleblower Alleges DOGE Exposed 300M Americans’ Social Security Data to Vulnerable Cloud Server

A whistleblower has alleged that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) placed the personal information of more than 300 million Americans at risk by improperly transferring a copy of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s (SSA) most sensitive database to a vulnerable cloud server in June 2025. The database, known as the Numident file, contains Social Security numbers, names, birth dates, and addresses, and is reportedly one of the most valuable repositories of personal data in the federal government [1]. The whistleblower, Charles Borges, the SSA’s chief data officer, filed a formal complaint with the Office of Special Counsel and Congress, asserting that DOGE bypassed security protocols and failed to implement adequate safeguards to protect the data [2].

According to internal communications included in the complaint, the risk assessment conducted by Joe Cunningham, the SSA’s acting chief information security officer, labeled the project “high risk” with potentially “catastrophic impact” in the event of a breach. Despite these warnings, DOGE-aligned officials authorized the transfer within hours, with Michael Russo, a political appointee aligned with the agency, signing off on the move on June 25 [3]. Borges, who has over 22 years of federal service, including roles at the General Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was excluded from key discussions and allegedly faced resistance from the SSA legal office when seeking clarifications [4].

The transfer occurred after the Supreme Court reversed a previous court order that had temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing the Numident file in March 2025. This reversal allowed the agency to proceed with its data review, despite concerns raised by privacy advocates and Democratic lawmakers [5]. SSA spokesman Nick Perrine stated that the agency remains unaware of any data compromise and emphasized that all personal data is stored in secure, isolated environments [6]. However, critics argue that the lack of independent oversight and audit mechanisms leaves the public vulnerable to identity theft and other harms [7].

Borges’ legal representative, Andrea Meza, stated that the whistleblower spent weeks pushing for internal fixes before escalating the matter through protected reporting channels. The complaint has been submitted to the Office of Special Counsel and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee [8]. Democratic lawmakers, including House Oversight ranking member Richard E. Neal, have called for further investigations, warning that DOGE’s handling of sensitive data threatens the privacy and well-being of millions of Americans [9].

The controversy underscores the growing tension between reform-oriented technologists and bureaucratic oversight. While DOGE argues for data transparency and efficiency, critics highlight the risks of bypassing established security protocols. The situation has already led to high-profile resignations and legal challenges, including a lawsuit brought by retirees and unions over unauthorized data access [10].

Borges’ decision to come forward reflects his belief that the risk to the public was substantial. As a veteran with two decades of experience in federal agencies, he emphasized that the steps taken by DOGE could lead to widespread identity theft and necessitate the reissuance of Social Security numbers for millions of Americans [11]. The unfolding events have placed the SSA at the center of a national debate over data security and government accountability.

Source:

[1] ABC News, [https://abcnews.go.com/US/whistleblower-complaint-alleges-doge-uploaded-social-security-numbers/story?id=124995870](https://abcnews.go.com/US/whistleblower-complaint-alleges-doge-uploaded-social-security-numbers/story?id=124995870)

[2] Government Accountability Project, [https://whistleblower.org/in-the-news/the-washington-post-social-security-official-says-doge-compromised-americans-data/](https://whistleblower.org/in-the-news/the-washington-post-social-security-official-says-doge-compromised-americans-data/)

[3] The Washington Post, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/26/social-security-data-cloud-whistleblower/](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/26/social-security-data-cloud-whistleblower/)

[6] CNN, [https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/26/politics/doge-social-security-records-whistleblower](https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/26/politics/doge-social-security-records-whistleblower)