Statement by Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, on President Trump’s Lies About Social Security during his Address to a Joint Session of Congress
“Tonight, President Trump doubled down on Elon Musk’s debunked lies about Social Security supposedly paying benefits to the deceased.
The facts are clear: fewer than 100,000 Americans over the age of 100 receive Social Security benefits—about the same number of people who have actually reached that age. But Trump isn’t interested in facts. He’s pushing these falsehoods to help Elon Musk dismantle the Social Security Administration and pave the way for benefit cuts.
This is nothing new. Trump has repeatedly promised not to ‘touch’ Social Security, yet he’s already broken that promise. Under his administration, the SSA is being deliberately weakened. He has cheered on Elon Musk’s DOGE team as they slash thousands of SSA jobs and shut down Social Security offices nationwide.
This isn’t about efficiency or fraud prevention—it’s about making it harder for seniors and people with disabilities to access the benefits they’ve earned. These cuts force Americans to endure longer wait times and travel greater distances just to receive the benefits they depend on.
The 4.4 million members of the Alliance for Retired Americans demand action. Every member of Congress—Democrat or Republican—must stand up and protect Social Security. Nearly 70 million retirees, survivors, and people with disabilities rely on these benefits to survive. They are counting on their elected leaders to fight for them.
For 89 years, Social Security has been a sacred promise between the government and the American people. Workers and employers have contributed to the system, ensuring financial security for retirees, surviving family members, and those injured on the job. Through wars, recessions, and national crises, Social Security has never missed a payment.
We refuse to stand by while Elon Musk dismantles the Social Security system and puts our benefits at risk. We will not be the generation that allows Social Security to be destroyed.”
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