In his recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump claimed that millions of Social Security beneficiaries are aged between 100 and 109, with some purportedly older than 160.
He credited the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, for uncovering this alleged incompetence and potential fraud.
However, these assertions have been debunked. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), as of December 2024, only 89,106 individuals aged 99 or older were receiving benefits, contradicting the president’s figures.
The SSA, which relies on data from funeral homes, hospitals, and Medicare services to maintain accurate records, acknowledged some inaccuracies but emphasized that these do not necessarily indicate fraudulent payments.
In response to concerns about DOGE’s actions, President Trump clarified to his Cabinet that agency heads, not Elon Musk, hold the authority to make staffing and policy decisions within their respective departments.
This directive came after Musk’s involvement in mass firings and threats to federal workers, which led to resistance and legal challenges.
During the meeting, Musk agreed with the president’s guidance and acknowledged past mistakes.
These developments have sparked discussions about the accuracy of the president’s claims and the extent of DOGE’s authority. Critics are questioning the administration’s commitment to factual accuracy and proper governance.
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