Elon Musk's DOGE Plans to Cut $500B-$700B in Entitlements, Including Social Security, Amid Controversy

Elon Musk, serving as an advisor to President Donald Trump, has targeted federal entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for significant cuts, describing them as rife with fraud. Musk suggested that between $500 billion and $700 billion in waste could be eliminated, labeling Social Security as 'the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.' His comments have sparked controversy and concern among politicians across the political spectrum as he works to downsize the federal government. Musk's claims about the level of fraud in these programs exceed official figures, with the Social Security inspector general reporting $71.8 billion in improper payments from fiscal years 2015 through 2022, which is less than 1% of benefits paid out. Musk also alleged that 20 million deceased individuals are still listed as alive in the Social Security database, a claim refuted by Social Security's acting commissioner, Lee Dudek, who stated that these individuals are not necessarily receiving benefits. The Trump administration's approach to federal spending has been described as using a 'scalpel' rather than a 'hatchet,' indicating a more targeted approach to cuts. Despite Trump's promise to defend Social Security from cuts, the administration is moving forward with closing some of the agency's offices, aligning with Musk's broader agenda to reduce government expenditure. Additionally, Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly planning to cut phone services for elderly and disabled Americans, raising further concerns about efficiency. Democrats and some Republicans have expressed opposition to these proposed cuts, with several lawmakers vowing to protect Social Security and other benefits. There have been efforts to block a resolution demanding transparency on these plans, and concerns about DOGE's access to sensitive information have been raised. Public opinion on Musk's role in the administration is divided, with recent polls showing a significant portion of Americans viewing his involvement negatively.