Elon Musk Advocates for Cutting Federal Benefit Programs
By CHRIS MEGERIAN
WASHINGTON (AP) — Elon Musk, a key advisor to President Donald Trump, made controversial statements on Monday regarding federal benefit programs, particularly Social Security. Musk suggested that these programs are rife with fraud and should be a primary target for reducing government spending.
The billionaire entrepreneur estimated that $500 billion to $700 billion in wasteful spending needed to be eliminated, with entitlement programs being a major focus. Musk stated, “Most of the federal spending is entitlements. That’s the big one to eliminate.”
However, Musk’s claims about the extent of fraud in entitlement programs far exceed official figures. While Musk mentioned potential fraud of hundreds of billions of dollars, the Social Security inspector general previously reported only $71.8 billion in improper payments over several years, representing less than 1% of total benefits paid out.
Furthermore, Musk’s assertion that there are “20 million people who are definitely dead marked as alive in the Social Security database” has been refuted by Social Security’s acting commissioner, Lee Dudek, who clarified that these individuals may not be receiving benefits.
Despite Trump’s promises to protect Social Security from cuts, Musk has been vocal about his skepticism towards the program, referring to it as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” The administration has also announced the closure of some Social Security offices.
In his interview with Fox Business, Musk went on to suggest that federal entitlements serve as a mechanism for Democrats to attract and retain illegal immigrants by incentivizing them to come to the United States and eventually become voters. This claim aligns with the controversial “great replacement” theory, which alleges a deliberate effort to alter the country’s demographics for political gain.
Musk’s role in the administration has raised eyebrows, with the billionaire acknowledging the unconventional nature of his position. He continues to run his private enterprises while advising the president on government reform efforts.
While Musk has received public support from Trump, there are concerns about the extent of his influence and the potential impact of his proposed cuts to federal programs. Some Republicans have welcomed Musk’s efforts to reduce government waste, while others have expressed reservations about certain budget cuts.
Overall, Musk’s advocacy for cutting federal benefit programs has sparked debate and skepticism among lawmakers and the public. As he continues to advise the Trump administration on fiscal policy, the implications of his proposals remain a topic of contention.
Published on: March 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM MDT
