Donald Trump and Elon Musk are falsely claiming millions of deceased individuals are receiving Social Security benefits to justify drastic cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These cuts, totaling over $1 trillion, aim to fund massive tax cuts for the wealthy, despite previous promises to protect these programs. This assertion, amplified by figures like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, ignores the fact that improper Social Security payments are less than 1 percent of total benefits. The proposed cuts, alongside Republican budget plans, would severely impact vital government programs to achieve these tax reductions.
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Donald Trump and Elon Musk are falsely claiming millions of deceased individuals are receiving Social Security benefits to justify drastic cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These cuts, aiming for over $1 trillion in savings, would fund massive tax cuts for the wealthy, despite previous promises not to touch these programs. This assertion, amplified by figures like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, ignores the fact that less than 1 percent of Social Security benefits are improperly paid, according to a recent report. Republican budget proposals, aligned with Trump’s plan, would exacerbate the issue with significant cuts to essential programs.
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Recent polling data reveals widespread voter concern that Elon Musk’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will primarily benefit Musk himself, rather than improve government efficiency. A majority of voters believe DOGE will target crucial social programs like Social Security, Medicare, and food assistance for cuts. This concern is particularly strong regarding potential cuts to healthcare and veterans’ benefits. Framing DOGE’s proposed cuts as benefiting corporations and billionaires significantly decreases its public favorability, especially among independent voters.
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Low-income Trump voters, reliant on Social Security and other benefits, express concerns about potential cuts despite the president-elect’s campaign promises. While some voters harbor optimism regarding administrative efficiency improvements, others fear drastic reductions driven by Trump’s billionaire cabinet and commitment to spending cuts. Experts warn that achieving significant spending reductions likely necessitates cuts to social safety nets, a prospect alarming to both benefit recipients and local Republican officials. The potential consequences of such cuts are viewed as potentially catastrophic, leading to widespread hardship and social unrest.
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Representative Greg Lopez (R-Colo.) confirmed that cuts to Social Security and Medicare are under consideration, stating that reducing the national debt necessitates evaluating these programs. This statement was made outside the first meeting of the newly formed House DOGE Caucus, a group supporting an advisory commission led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, both known critics of the programs. The caucus, with overwhelmingly Republican membership, aims to reduce government spending, raising concerns among advocates about potential cuts to vital social safety nets. While some members remained noncommittal, the meeting highlighted growing momentum within the Republican party to reform entitlement programs.
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Proposed $2 trillion federal budget cuts, advocated by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, threaten significant reductions to Social Security. This initiative contrasts sharply with the 79% of Americans opposing Social Security benefit cuts. While Musk and Ramaswamy’s influence is limited, their recommendations pressure Congress, despite President Trump’s repeated promises to protect Social Security. Ultimately, the power to enact budget changes remains with Congress, not the self-appointed “Department of Government Efficiency.”
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Despite widespread public opposition to cuts, Republican politicians continue to propose changes to Social Security, citing the need for budget trimming. Prominent figures like Representatives McCormick and Lee, along with Elon Musk, have openly advocated for reforms, even framing Social Security as unsustainable. However, past attempts to reform Social Security, such as President Bush’s privatization plan, have met with significant public backlash and failed. While President-elect Trump’s stance on the issue remains inconsistent, his other policy proposals, like mass deportations and tariff increases, could indirectly impact Social Security funding and necessitate future benefit reductions.
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Trump has appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head a new Department of Government Efficiency, targeting Social Security for cuts. This aligns with statements from key Republican figures including Senator Mike Lee, Congressman Richard McCormick, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, all suggesting plans to overhaul or cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The Republican party’s control of Congress and the White House indicates a high likelihood of these cuts, despite widespread public opposition. The coming legislative battle will test the Republicans’ willingness to act against public opinion and the Democrats’ ability to mount effective resistance.
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John Q. Hosedrinker