The assertion that only fraudsters would complain about a missed Social Security check reveals a profound disconnect from the realities faced by millions of Americans. This statement ignores the fundamental truth that for many, Social Security is not a supplemental income stream, but the sole source of funds for basic necessities like food, shelter, and medication.
For countless seniors and disabled individuals, the monthly Social Security check is the lifeline that keeps them afloat, preventing homelessness and hunger. To suggest that a delay or non-payment wouldn’t elicit complaints demonstrates a breathtaking lack of empathy and understanding of the financial struggles faced by vulnerable populations.… Continue reading
Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman faced significant backlash at a town hall meeting for her support of a continuing resolution extending government funding. The resolution, which Hageman claims does not affect Social Security, was met with boos and protests from constituents concerned about President Trump and Elon Musk’s influence and their statements regarding Social Security. Hageman’s support for the resolution, coupled with Trump and Musk’s controversial comments about Social Security, fueled the angry reaction. This incident reflects a broader trend of Republican representatives facing constituent outrage over the administration’s actions and perceived threats to social safety nets.
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Acting SSA Commissioner Dudek threatened to shut down the agency after a judge blocked the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to SSA data, citing a “fishing expedition.” This followed a lawsuit filed by labor and advocacy groups challenging DOGE’s data access. Critics, including several advocacy groups, condemned Dudek’s actions as a reckless attempt to please Elon Musk and the Trump administration, jeopardizing the benefits of millions of Americans. The threatened shutdown underscores the escalating conflict between the SSA and DOGE over data access and raises serious concerns about the agency’s future.
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Acting Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek threatened to shut down the agency’s IT systems, potentially halting Social Security payments, in response to a court order restricting Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to sensitive personal data. The order, issued after the SSA’s granting of “unbridled access” to DOGE violated privacy laws, prohibits access to non-anonymized data. Dudek claims compliance with this order, which allows access only to redacted information, is impossible and necessitates a system shutdown. This action jeopardizes the benefits of 71 million Americans and follows DOGE’s plans to close SSA offices and limit services.
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To enhance security, online identity verification will now be mandatory for phone-based Social Security benefit applications. Individuals lacking internet access must visit a field office for in-person verification. While current phone-based applications require extensive personal information checks to minimize fraud, this change necessitates in-person visits for those without internet capabilities. This may pose a challenge for elderly or disabled applicants who previously relied on the existing phone system.
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Elon Musk’s claim of half a trillion dollars in waste and fraud in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is drastically inflated, exceeding even the highest estimates from government watchdogs by orders of magnitude. His comments, including calling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme,” demonstrate a concerning lack of understanding and animosity towards these vital programs. Further, Musk’s actions within the federal government, including widespread firings and pursuit of sensitive data, raise serious concerns about his competence and motives. His history of spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories, including racist rhetoric, underscores the urgent need for his removal from any position of influence.
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Elon Musk proposed eliminating hundreds of billions in entitlement spending, falsely linking this to attracting and retaining illegal immigrants, a claim echoing the “Great Replacement” theory. This plan, seemingly targeting waste and fraud, would impact Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, jeopardizing benefits for millions of older and younger Americans. The proposal directly contradicts Trump’s pledge to protect these programs, highlighting a potential conflict in Republican priorities. Such cuts would drastically alter the social safety net and potentially disenfranchise millions of voters.
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President Trump delivered a nearly two-hour address to Congress, his longest yet, covering topics ranging from personnel firings to trade disputes and praising private sector initiatives. Senator Sanders walked out, denouncing the speech as containing “the big lie”—false claims about Social Security recipients—and criticized the lack of focus on working-class issues. Sanders further condemned the administration as a “government of, by, and for the billionaire class,” highlighting proposed budget cuts to Medicaid. He concluded by urging Americans to unite against oligarchic power.
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Elon Musk’s recent assertion that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme, a claim widely refuted, sparked outrage among progressive lawmakers and advocates. This false attack on the vital anti-poverty program, made during a Joe Rogan podcast appearance, prompted immediate backlash. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Greg Casar, along with Senator Bernie Sanders, condemned Musk’s comments, highlighting the program’s long history of reliable payments and accusing Musk of seeking to undermine it for personal gain. The timing coincides with the Trump administration’s efforts to weaken the Social Security Administration.
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Elon Musk, on Joe Rogan’s podcast, labeled Social Security a “Ponzi scheme,” claiming its future obligations exceed tax revenue and citing increased lifespans. This assertion, echoing conservative viewpoints, contrasts with Democratic proposals to shore up Social Security by removing the tax cap on high earners. Musk’s statement, however, included unsubstantiated claims about millions of deceased individuals receiving benefits. His remarks drew widespread criticism, with many arguing his intention is to privatize and dismantle the program, which keeps millions of seniors out of poverty.
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