The Trump administration’s efforts to undermine Social Security have raised concerns among experts and beneficiaries alike. The administration has introduced four threats that could impact the program’s ability to deliver timely checks, provide quality services, conduct independent research, and maintain its financial solvency.
Social Security is a vital social program that provides essential support to 72 million retirees, spouses, people with disabilities, and children each month. It lifted about 16.1 million older adults above the poverty line. However, the administration’s actions could jeopardize this critical support system.
The first threat is the uncertainty surrounding timely Social Security checks. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has taken over Social Security records without adequate understanding of the COBOL-based infrastructure, leading to concerns about the system’s collapse and benefits interruption. Former head of the Social Security Administration Martin O’Malley warned that the system could collapse within 30-90 days.
The second threat is the planned cuts in service quality. The administration has announced plans to delay answers to enrollment queries and problem-solving, which will impact the service quality that Americans expect from Social Security.
The third threat is the elimination of independent research on Social Security. The administration has canceled contracts with six university-led research consortia, including the City University of New York-Baruch College, which could undermine transparency and accountability.
Lastly, the Trump administration’s tax plans have proposed changes that would cause benefits cuts in as little as 6 years, draining Medicare and Social Security of revenue, and accelerating the insolvency date of the Social Security retirement trust fund from 2034 to 2033. This would lead to a 21% across-the-board cut in Social Security benefits as early as 2033.
The reasons behind the Republicans’ targeting of Social Security are rooted in their ideological history. Reducing Social Security has long been a goal of certain conservative groups, who have outlined strategies to undermine the program. The administration’s tactics include slashing service quality, draining revenue, and casting suspicion on the popular program.
Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme, but a long-standing actuarially-funded federal program that provides essential support to millions of Americans. The administration’s actions could face significant resistance, just as they did in 2005 when President George W. Bush attempted to privatize Social Security.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/teresaghilarducci/2025/03/05/four-trump-threats-to-social-security