Overview

• Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, co-chairs of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have indicated that cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are under consideration.
• President-elect Donald Trump recently stated he would not cut Social Security, except for addressing fraud, though his past statements and actions suggest otherwise.
• Republican lawmakers, following discussions with Musk and Ramaswamy, have stated that 'everything is on the table,' including potential changes to Social Security benefits.
• Critics argue that the proposed cuts could disproportionately affect low-income Americans, while highlighting that raising the income cap on Social Security taxes could secure the program's future without benefit reductions.
• Polling shows widespread opposition to Social Security cuts, with most Americans favoring increased contributions from the wealthiest taxpayers to address funding challenges.