Summary

The White House scrambled to clarify comments from Elon Musk suggesting cuts to Social Security and Medicare, insisting no such plans exist.

Musk, speaking on Fox Business, criticized entitlement spending, sparking viral backlash. Trump’s administration defended Musk and attacked journalist Jake Sherman for misrepresenting his remarks.

Officials cited reports on fraud and waste but claimed benefits would remain intact. Elon Musk has repeatedly criticized Social Security, labeling it a “Ponzi scheme.”

Critics fear Trump could use fraud reduction efforts as a pretext for cuts despite his assurances otherwise.

  • klemptor@startrek.website
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    23 hours ago

    It’s really sad - my in-laws are in their mid-to-late 70s and are currently applying to jobs because they’re convinced that Social Security will go away. I hate to see older folks so scared by this lunacy.

    • PM_Your_Nudes_Please@lemmy.world
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      18 hours ago

      Yeah, my dad finally retired this year at 70… And now he’s looking for a new job, because he’s concerned his social security is going to vanish overnight.

      • SouthEndSunset@lemm.ee
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        16 hours ago

        The rich and right wing will say these groups should have invested better, worked harder, or taken better opportunities…people did all those things and are still struggling. It’s wank, and so unfair.

        • klemptor@startrek.website
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          13 hours ago

          The thing is, my in-laws have plenty of money in the bank, plus two adult children who are very successful and would help them out if needed, no questions asked. It’s not entirely rational - I think it’s the uncertainty more than anything that has them scared. Which really sucks. :(

    • ripcord@lemmy.world
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      14 hours ago

      Were they also Trump voters by any chance?

      I’m assuming no if they think they’ll actually be impacted.