Overview

• Elon Musk referred to Social Security as a 'Ponzi scheme' during an appearance on the 'Rogan Experience' podcast, claiming its future obligations exceed tax revenues.
• Progressive lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, strongly criticized Musk's remarks, defending Social Security as a vital anti-poverty program.
• Advocacy groups highlighted that Social Security has not missed a payment in 89 years and is 90% funded for the next 25 years, countering Musk's claims.
• Musk's comments come amid efforts by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk co-leads, to cut federal spending, including staffing reductions at the Social Security Administration.
• Concerns are growing over potential benefit payment delays or disruptions as the Social Security Administration faces pressure to downsize its workforce.