DOGE Operative Accused of Plotting Social Security Data Theft
▼ Summary
– John Solly, a former DOGE operative at the SSA, is accused in a whistleblower complaint of storing sensitive SSA data on a thumb drive and intending to share it with his new employer, Leidos.
– Solly now works as a CTO for Leidos, a government contractor with significant existing and potential SSA contracts worth up to $1.5 billion.
– Both Solly, through his lawyer, and Leidos have denied the allegations, stating there is no evidence of wrongdoing.
– The complaint alleges Solly took copies of critical SSA databases, including the NUMIDENT and Death Master File, which contain vast amounts of personal identifying information.
– The whistleblower further claims Solly sought help to transfer the data and allegedly believed he could receive a presidential pardon if his actions were found to be unlawful.
A software engineer and former member of a controversial government efficiency initiative now faces serious allegations regarding the potential theft of highly sensitive Social Security data. John Solly, previously with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the Social Security Administration, is accused in a whistleblower complaint of storing confidential SSA data on a portable drive with the intent to share it with his new employer, according to multiple sources. Solly currently serves as the chief technology officer for the health IT division of Leidos, a major government contractor with extensive ties to the SSA.
Solly’s personal website and LinkedIn profile were taken offline this week, following the emergence of these claims. Through his legal counsel, Solly has firmly denied any misconduct, stating the allegations are false and slanderous. A spokesperson for Leidos also indicated the company’s own review found no evidence to support the whistleblower’s account.
During his tenure, Solly was one of a dozen DOGE personnel embedded at the SSA. His now-removed résumé listed work on critical initiatives, including the Digital SSN project, the Death Master File cleanup, and the SSN verification API known as EDEN 2.0. The Death Master File is a vital database containing records of deceased individuals to prevent identity fraud, while the API system facilitates data sharing between the SSA and external agencies.
The complaint, first detailed by The Washington Post, was filed with the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General. It alleges the former DOGE employee, identified by sources as Solly, claimed to have copied the SSA’s Numerical Identification System (NUMIDENT) and the Death Master File. NUMIDENT is the master repository for all Social Security number application data, holding extensive personal information like full names, birth dates, and racial identifiers.
According to the reported complaint, the individual allegedly asked colleagues for assistance in transferring data from a thumb drive to a personal computer. The stated goal was to “sanitize” the information before uploading it for use at a private-sector company. The complaint further asserts the employee believed he would receive a presidential pardon if his actions were deemed illegal.
Solly’s attorney, Seth Waxman, issued a strong rebuttal. “John Solly did not share, access, or view any personally identifiable information maintained by the SSA,” Waxman stated. “These allegations from an anonymous source are patently false. Mr. Solly is confident a fair review will fully exonerate him and he will take all appropriate steps to clear his name.”
The situation places a spotlight on Leidos, a longstanding and significant contractor for the SSA. The company has secured hundreds of millions in contracts from the agency over the past decade, including a major IT support deal in 2018 worth up to $639 million and an estimated $1.5 billion IT contract awarded in 2023. The DOGE team’s broader integration into federal operations in early 2025 led to contract adjustments for many firms, including Leidos, adding a layer of complexity to the current allegations.
(Source: Wired)
