Musk’s Cost-Cutting Push Draws Bipartisan Backlash Over Social Security

WASHINGTON — Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has faced significant backlash from both sides of the political spectrum regarding his initiatives targeting Social Security and federal spending. During a recent interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, Musk projected confidence that cutting a trillion dollars from federal spending is achievable without compromising essential services.

“Our goal is to reduce the deficit by a trillion dollars; that means cutting the federal budget from $7 trillion to $6 trillion,” Musk stated in the interview. He emphasized the focus on eliminating waste and fraud within government programs, particularly pointing to Social Security. His comments have raised concern among lawmakers, especially as he referred to the program as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time” in a previous conversation with Joe Rogan.

Members of President Donald Trump‘s administration are reportedly uneasy about Musk’s remarks, as they conflict with Trump’s longtime promise to protect Social Security benefits. A source familiar with the dynamics noted that some political allies have suggested Musk should either limit his public appearances or follow a more scripted format to avoid further controversy.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that there are concerns surrounding Musk’s impact on perceptions of Social Security. “Beneficiaries are understandably worried about their payments, and if they hear something alarming from Musk, it can cause unnecessary fears,” the official explained. However, the official asserted that Trump assured them that Social Security policies would remain unchanged. “At the end of the day, President Trump has full trust in Musk’s decisions. Any American receiving Social Security benefits will continue to receive them,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Musk has identified perceived fraud within the Social Security Administration as a primary target of DOGE’s efforts. Highlighting a 2024 report from the Government Accountability Office, he claimed that fraud in entitlement spending represents a significant economic drain. “The waste and fraud in entitlement spending is most of the federal spending, so that’s the big one to eliminate,” Musk said.

Republican lawmakers expressed mixed feelings about Musk’s rhetoric. While some agree that reform is necessary, they cautioned against characterizing Social Security as a fraud scheme. “It’s not a Ponzi scheme; it’s a system that needs reform,” said one GOP representative. Another suggested, “The more of these Musk interviews, the more discussion on this issue we will have. This could become a significant talking point in the 2026 campaign.”

According to recent polling, Democratic strategists anticipate that Musk’s comments about Social Security may backfire politically. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., emphasized, “Social Security is the most successful government program in American history. If Musk and Trump go after it, I promise you this will be their undoing.” Campaign ads highlighting Musk’s controversial remarks could play a crucial role in upcoming elections, with Democrats rallying around the defense of Social Security.

While some lawmakers worry that Musk’s advocacy for cost-cutting could threaten essential services for millions of Americans, Trump’s administration has maintained a focus on the broader goal of reducing federal spending. A former Trump aide noted, however, that reminders need to be constantly communicated to the electorate that Trump’s position is not aligned with Musk’s public musings on entitlement programs.

As DOGE continues to implement its cost-cutting measures, including the closure of various Social Security offices, those on the ground express concern over accessibility for seniors. Reports show that limiting telephone services could dissuade vulnerable populations from seeking benefits. One senior Social Security employee commented, “This will prevent people from accessing their benefits, and it feels like a covert takeover of the system to facilitate privatization.”

In response to these mounting concerns, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stressed the Democrats’ unified front in protecting essential social services like Social Security and Medicare. His statement resonates deeply at a time of growing anxiety among constituents regarding potential changes to these crucial programs.