Musk Targets Social Security and Federal Benefits in Push for Cuts
Elon Musk is ramping up his calls to slash federal spending—this time, taking aim at Social Security and other entitlement programs. In a Monday interview with Fox Business Network, Musk described these programs as bloated and fraudulent, estimating that $500 to $700 billion in waste needs to be eliminated.
“Most of the federal spending is entitlements,” Musk said. “That’s the big one to eliminate.”
Claims of Widespread Fraud Clash with Federal Data
Musk’s claims are raising eyebrows. He alleged that 20 million dead people are still listed as alive in the Social Security database and accused the system of being riddled with fraud. However, government watchdogs paint a different picture: the Social Security inspector general reported $71.8 billion in improper payments from 2015 to 2022—less than 1% of total benefits during that time.
Officials have also pushed back on Musk’s suggestion that dead individuals are still receiving benefits. Social Security’s acting commissioner, Lee Dudek, clarified: “These individuals are not necessarily receiving benefits.”
Entitlement Cuts Could Spark Political Blowback
While former President Trump has vowed to protect Social Security, Musk has long referred to it as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” His latest remarks suggest a growing influence over the administration’s cost-cutting agenda, despite rising concerns across both parties.
Musk has also linked federal programs to immigration, claiming benefits are used by Democrats to “attract and retain illegal immigrants,” a claim echoing the controversial “great replacement” theory. Critics warn such rhetoric could deepen political and cultural divides.
Inside Musk’s Growing Role in Trump’s Administration
Musk’s remarks came during an interview at the White House complex with Larry Kudlow, Trump’s former economic adviser. Musk admitted his new role feels “bizarre,” yet thanked Trump for giving him unprecedented influence: “Without the president’s support, we couldn’t make any progress here.”
Despite backlash, Trump has continued to back Musk, saying reforms would now be done with a “scalpel” instead of a “hatchet.”
Public Reaction Is Mixed as Cuts Roll Out
Musk’s push has won support from some Republicans eager to cut government spending. “The American people are sick of the swamp,” said Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee. But others in the GOP are pushing back—Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma celebrated keeping three key federal offices open in his state, calling them “vital and valuable.”
Meanwhile, public opinion is split. A CNN/SSRS poll from February found that half of Americans oppose Musk’s role in the administration, while only one-third view it positively. A Washington Post/Ipsos poll found voters divided on whether Musk is cutting waste or harming essential services.
Musk’s Influence Continues to Grow—Alongside Controversy
Even as he advises the federal government, Musk remains vocal on X, his social media platform. On the same day as his Fox Business interview, he:
- Accused Democrats of targeting Tesla dealerships
- Called X “the top source for news on Earth”
- Labeled Sen. Mark Kelly a “traitor” for visiting Ukraine
This was Musk’s third major interview since joining Trump’s inner circle. With his influence rising—and his controversial comments piling up—expect the political and public scrutiny to only intensify.
