President Donald Trump has once again confirmed that he will not cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid.
Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump stated, “Social Security won’t be touched, other than if there’s fraud or something. It’s going to be strengthened. But it won’t be touched.”
He also emphasized that Medicare and Medicaid would remain safe, saying, “None of that stuff is going to be touched.”
However, Trump added, “Now, if there are illegal migrants in the system, we’re going to get them out.”
Why It Matters?
Social Security is a critical source of income for millions of Americans. As of late 2024, around 53 million retirees—roughly 16 percent of the U.S. population—were receiving monthly payments.
Medicaid is the largest health assistance program for low-income individuals, while Medicare provides health insurance for people aged 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities.
Trump’s Previous Statements on Social Security
Trump has repeatedly said he would protect Social Security benefits, but his past comments have led to some confusion.
In March 2023, he told CNBC, “There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting.” He also mentioned that there was “tremendous bad management” in these programs.
However, just days later, he told Breitbart, “I will never do anything that will jeopardize or hurt Social Security or Medicare.” He assured the public that savings could be found elsewhere without harming these benefits.
In January 2024, Trump reiterated his stance, saying his administration would “love and cherish” these programs. He promised no cuts would be made unless waste or fraud was found.
The Fraud Investigation & Elon Musk’s Claims
Recently, tech billionaire Elon Musk has raised concerns about alleged fraud within the Social Security Administration (SSA).
He has claimed that millions of dollars are being paid to deceased individuals, a claim that has been widely disputed.
Last week, Musk stated, “I am 100 percent certain that the magnitude of fraud in federal entitlements exceeds the combined sum of every private scam you’ve ever heard by FAR.”
His claims have sparked discussions about government waste, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has launched an audit of SSA payments.
Michelle King, a 30-year SSA veteran and acting commissioner, resigned last weekend, reportedly due to DOGE’s access to SSA data.
Medicaid Funding at Risk?
While Trump has assured the public that Social Security and Medicare will not be cut, Republicans in Congress are still considering changes to Medicaid.
Medicaid cost taxpayers $880 billion in 2023, with the federal government covering up to 80 percent of expenses in some states. To reduce costs, Congress is considering work requirements and offering states a fixed funding rate.
These potential changes could affect healthcare for around 80 million Americans who rely on Medicaid.
Read More:
- Social Security Payment Schedule and Maximum Benefit Amounts for 2025
- Social Security COLA Estimate Rises for 2026: Will It Be Enough to Offset Inflation?
What People Are Saying?
Elon Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on February 17: “I love the people. We just want to fix the waste and fraud that is bankrupting the country.
The scrutiny on me is extreme, so it’s not like I could ‘get away’ with something, nor do I have any incentive to do so.”
Meanwhile, Martin O’Malley, the former SSA commissioner, warned in an interview with The Washington Post: “At this rate, they [DOGE] will break it. And they will break it fast, and there will be an interruption of benefits.”
What Happens Next?
Despite its $1.5 trillion annual cost, Social Security remains extremely popular among Americans, making major cuts unlikely.
However, the ongoing fraud investigations and potential Medicaid changes could still impact millions of people. As the debate continues, Americans will be watching closely to see what happens next.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.
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