Elon Musk’s Bold Move: Is He Taking Aim at Social Security?
Elon Musk Under Fire for Attacking Social Security
Recently, Elon Musk has ignited a firestorm of controversy with a string of posts on X, labeling Social Security as a “nightmare.” As the richest man on the planet, Musk’s words carry weight, especially when they echo the sentiments of Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), a vocal critic of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, who has openly called for the elimination of Social Security altogether.
In a barrage of tweets, Lee has dismissed Social Security—an essential lifeline for millions of Americans—as nothing more than a cleverly disguised tax scheme. He has even gone so far as to label the original Social Security Act of 1935 a duplicitous move by the government to mislead its citizens.
In response, Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, stepped up to defend the program’s integrity. “For nearly 90 years, Social Security has been a steadfast social insurance program, delivering payments reliably to those in need,” Richtman declared. He accused Senator Lee of perpetuating harmful misinformation that threatens the public’s support for this critical safety net, potentially paving the way for cuts or privatization. Notably, he pointed out that Lee’s campaign benefits from substantial funding from the securities and investment sector.
“The money belongs to us, Mike Lee, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump. You won’t take a penny of it.”
Lee’s claims also included the debunked assertion that the federal government frequently misuses funds from the Social Security Trust Fund—an outdated narrative that continues to circulate among some conservatives.
The advocacy group Social Security Works expressed alarm at Musk’s endorsement of Lee’s views, stating that by sharing these opinions with his massive following, Musk has effectively “declared war on Social Security.”
“For 89 years, Social Security has been a consistent source of support through economic highs and lows,” said Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works. He argued that if billionaires like Musk contributed to Social Security at the same rate as everyday Americans, the program’s benefits could be enhanced and sustained indefinitely. Lawson characterized the actions of Musk and some Republicans as a direct assault on not only seniors but also disabled individuals and everyday Americans.
Lawson cautioned, “History has shown us this pattern before. When Republicans dismantled traditional pension plans, they assured us that the market would yield great returns. Instead, everyday workers saw meager gains while Wall Street executives pocketed billions. We will resist this Republican effort to siphon off our hard-earned benefits. The money is ours, Mike Lee, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump. You will not take a penny of it.”
Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the chorus of critics against Lee’s proposals and Musk’s support of them. He highlighted that their actions should raise red flags for anyone who has ever contributed to Social Security.
“Senator Mike Lee has long aimed to phase out Social Security, and until now, his harmful proposals have flown under the radar. But with significant backing from Elon Musk, who used his platform to amplify Lee’s misguided views, it’s time we take notice,” Fiesta stressed. He emphasized that Social Security embodies a fundamental promise between the American people and their government, funded through payroll deductions and expected to be available upon retirement, disability, or loss of a family breadwinner.
During his campaign, President Donald Trump vowed to protect Social Security, even while endorsing policies that could jeopardize its financial stability.
With Republicans now holding the reins of both houses of Congress, discussions about raising the retirement age for Social Security—which would effectively cut benefits for everyone—are gaining momentum. On a recent Fox Business Network appearance, Representative Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) suggested that tough decisions regarding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are on the horizon, hinting at possible reductions in benefits.
Richtman warned that the attacks from Lee and other Republicans not only contradict President Trump’s promises but also signal a troubling shift towards privatization and cuts—changes that are overwhelmingly opposed by a majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation.
