It’s difficult to assess the full impact of Trump’s policies on Social Security. The administration appears to be following advisor Steve Bannon’s “flood the zone” strategy—releasing a barrage of proposals and plans, many of which may never materialize, creating chaos and confusion.
Take, for example, Trump’s promise to eliminate taxation on Social Security benefits. This is not something he can do unilaterally—it would require Congressional action. Other, more convoluted proposals are getting lost in the noise. This climate of uncertainty is causing stress, especially for seniors, and has created opportunities for scammers who prey on the vulnerable.
One unknown is whether the ripple effects of Trump’s tariff policies will influence Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs). These adjustments are tied to inflation, and Trump-era economic policies have already contributed to financial instability.
There are also actions Trump can take—and some already raising red flags. Despite repeatedly claiming he will not reduce Social Security benefits, his administration reportedly added thousands of living immigrants to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) death list. These individuals were in the U.S. legally on temporary status, which was revoked. By falsely labeling them as deceased, their Social Security numbers were invalidated, effectively stripping them of their ability to live and work legally.
Adding to concerns, Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a temporary agency run by Tesla CEO Elon Musk—tasked with slashing federal spending. Musk, now openly targeting Social Security, recently posted on his social platform X and in this interview on Fox Business News that he believes there is widespread fraud in so-called “entitlement programs.” Without providing evidence, he claimed $100 billion annually is paid to individuals without valid Social Security numbers.
DOGE’s stated goal is to cut $2 trillion from federal spending—a feat nearly impossible without touching Social Security. While any formal cuts to Social Security benefits would still require Congressional approval and the president’s signature, these behind-the-scenes maneuvers are cause for concern.
Staff and Office Cutbacks
Under pressure from DOGE, the SSA has announced plans to cut roughly 12% of its workforce—approximately 7,000 positions. The agency claims these cuts will target areas deemed “non-mission-critical.” At the same time, it is closing, consolidating, or relocating 47 local Social Security offices, changes that will inevitably increase wait times and delay services. The SSA has also announced it will shift official communications from its own website to Elon Musk’s X platform.
Elimination of Phone Services
Applying for benefits is also becoming more complicated. Individuals will now be required to create an online account or visit a local office in person to verify their identity. Additionally, recipients will no longer be able to update their direct deposit information over the phone.
Elimination of Paper Checks
An executive order signed by President Trump mandates that the federal government discontinue paper checks for all payments—including Social Security—by September 30, 2025. Recipients currently receiving paper checks must enroll in direct deposit before that date or risk disruption of their benefits.
Recovery of Overpayments
The SSA’s recovery policy for overpayments is also changing—drastically. Previously, the agency withheld 10% of a recipient’s monthly benefit to recoup overpayments. Now, the SSA will withhold 100% of a recipient’s monthly benefit until the overpayment is fully recovered. This shift, while based on an existing policy, could have devastating effects on recipients through no fault of their own.
It’s time to take action. Contact your representatives today and tell them, “HANDS OFF MY SOCIAL SECURITY!”:
Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senate
📧 Email Senator Graham
Tim Scott, U.S. Senate
📧 Email Senator Scott
Russell Fry, U.S. House of Representatives, District 7
📧 Contact Representative Fry
