Fact Check: Nikki Haley’s Social Security Plan Misrepresented

A Facebook ad, circulated to over 1 million screens, alleges that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley plans to cut Social Security benefits for 82% of Americans. The ad, attributed to former President Donald Trump’s campaign, distorts Haley’s statements about reforming entitlement programs.
Claim: Nikki Haley’s plan cuts Social Security benefits for 82% of Americans.

False Representation:

The ad features a clip of Haley discussing entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, suggesting a plan that would adversely affect 82% of Americans. However, the ad selectively omits key parts of Haley’s response. She specifically talked about changing the retirement age for younger workers, not for those nearing or in retirement.

Haley’s Proposal:

Haley’s proposal revolves around adjusting the retirement age for younger generations, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by programs like Social Security and Medicare. Her intention is not to impact current retirees or those on the brink of retirement.

Raising Retirement Age for Younger Workers:

Haley emphasizes addressing the financial strain on Social Security without touching benefits for current or promised retirees. She proposes modifying the retirement age for individuals entering the system, acknowledging that the current age of 65 is outdated and needs reassessment.

82% Claim Debunked:

The ad claims that Haley’s plan would cut Social Security benefits for 82% of Americans, citing “CNN 3/12/23” as a source. However, neither of the CNN articles from that date supports this claim. There is no credible information or economic analysis backing the 82% figure mentioned in the ad.

Haley’s Campaign Response:

A spokesperson for Haley’s campaign refutes the claim, asserting that the plan aims to raise the retirement age for younger generations, index benefits to life expectancy, and implement other measures. The plan, according to the spokesperson, does not impact those nearing or in retirement.

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Conclusion:

The Facebook ad misrepresents Nikki Haley’s proposal, distorting her comments to create a false narrative about cutting Social Security benefits for a significant portion of Americans. The plan focuses on adjustments for future retirees, not current ones.

In simple terms, the claim in the Facebook ad is false, and Haley’s plan targets changes for the retirement age for younger generations while protecting the benefits of those currently in or near retirement.