Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sharply criticized Elon Musk, calling him a “leech on the public” for his involvement in government efficiency overhauls and his comments about Social Security. Ocasio-Cortez cited concerns about Musk’s influence on federal programs impacting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and disabled. Musk’s false claims about Social Security fraud, coupled with his role in government cost-cutting measures, fueled the congresswoman’s condemnation. This latest attack is part of an ongoing feud between the two, marked by Ocasio-Cortez’s previous accusations of Musk being a “billionaire conman.”
Read More
Senator Bernie Sanders’ attempt to pass the Social Security Expansion Act, which would increase benefits by $2,400 annually, was blocked by Senator Mike Crapo. The Act, supported by numerous advocacy groups, would fund itself by extending payroll taxes to incomes above $250,000. This action comes amidst concerns over the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s efforts to drastically reduce the Social Security Administration’s workforce. Critics argue these actions represent an attack on Social Security and threaten the financial security of retirees.
Read More
This article is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved by Fortune Media IP Limited. Use of this site is governed by its Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Fortune may be compensated for certain product and service links. Finally, advertised offers are subject to change.
Read More
Despite recent assertions by Trump that Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid are safe from cuts, opposition is emerging within the Republican party. Moderate Republicans are publicly rejecting proposed Medicaid cuts, citing the negative impact on constituents’ healthcare access. Representative Bresnahan’s statement exemplifies this resistance, highlighting his commitment to his constituents’ well-being over party politics. This internal conflict underscores the potential challenges facing any legislation aiming to reduce these social programs.
Read More
Under the guise of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk and his associates have gained unprecedented access to sensitive government data, including information on Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. This access, granted by the Treasury Department, encompasses trillions of dollars in annual federal expenditures and the personal information of millions of Americans. The situation is deemed illegal and incredibly dangerous, raising concerns about the potential misuse of this data and the disruption of vital government programs. A lawsuit has been filed to block this access, highlighting the massive and unprecedented scale of the privacy intrusion.
Read More
Three organizations—the Alliance for Retired Americans, AFGE, and SEIU—have filed a lawsuit against the Treasury Department, alleging that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is illegally accessing sensitive U.S. Treasury payment data in violation of privacy laws. The suit seeks a restraining order to block DOGE’s access to the system, which handles Social Security, Medicaid, and other crucial government payments. The plaintiffs argue that this unauthorized access jeopardizes the personal information of millions of Americans and that Treasury Secretary Bessent acted improperly by granting this access and retaliating against a civil servant who tried to prevent it. The lawsuit underscores concerns about the security and privacy of sensitive taxpayer data within the U.S. Treasury system.
Read More
Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s approval, now possesses access to the U.S. Treasury’s federal payment system, controlling trillions of dollars in annual transactions. This unprecedented access followed the ousting of a long-serving Treasury official who opposed granting DOGE access. While described as “read-only,” the access encompasses sensitive taxpayer data and could enable Musk to disrupt government funding or manipulate government contracts. Experts warn this situation constitutes a significant threat to governmental integrity and financial stability.
Read More
The full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security benefits is increasing to 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959, impacting retirement planning for Americans in their 40s. This rise, along with insufficient savings among younger Boomers and Gen Xers, highlights the urgency for improved retirement preparation. Many in these demographics are projected to rely heavily on Social Security, despite its intended role as a partial retirement income replacement. Delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 maximizes benefits, but few currently utilize this strategy.
Read More
House Republicans proposed a draft agreement including $2.5 trillion in mandatory spending cuts to raise the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion. This plan, revealed in a closed-door meeting, targets programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, despite legal limitations on directly cutting Social Security through the proposed reconciliation process. Critics argue these cuts are intended to fund tax cuts for the wealthy, with the only way to meet the proposed spending reductions being drastic cuts to major social programs. The plan underscores concerns about prioritizing tax cuts for corporations and billionaires over vital social safety nets.
Read More
Congressional Republicans, influenced by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are prioritizing massive tax cuts for the wealthy, funded by drastic cuts to social programs. This plan, mirroring past failed attempts, relies on unsubstantiated claims of efficiency improvements and ignores readily available avenues for genuine cost savings. The proposed cuts disproportionately target programs like Medicare and Social Security, despite public support for alternative solutions like increased taxes on the wealthy. Ultimately, DOGE serves as a political cover for budget slashing and dismantling social safety nets.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker