Recent headlines have sparked concerns over whether former President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk are working to defund Social Security and Medicare. These concerns stem from Musk’s appointment to lead a controversial new government agency and his team’s unprecedented access to federal financial systems. But is Social Security really at risk? Let’s break it down.
Why Are People Worried?
In January 2025, President Trump appointed Elon Musk as the head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—yes, it shares the same name as Musk’s favorite cryptocurrency. The agency’s stated mission is to cut down on what it calls “wasteful” government spending, with a bold goal of saving $2 trillion per year.
Soon after its launch, DOGE took immediate action, including shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—a move that sent shockwaves through Washington. But the real controversy started when the U.S. Treasury gave Musk and his team access to the government’s federal payment system, the very system responsible for distributing Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Treasury Shake-Up Raises Red Flags
On January 31, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent granted DOGE access to the U.S. Treasury’s payment systems, which process over $5 trillion in federal payments annually, including Social Security and Medicare. This decision led to the resignation of senior Treasury official David Lebryk, who strongly opposed giving Musk’s team access to such sensitive financial systems.
The move immediately raised concerns among lawmakers, economists, and the general public. Many questioned whether DOGE’s involvement could lead to delays, cuts, or even cancellations of Social Security payments.
Political Uproar and Legal Battles
The backlash was swift. Democratic lawmakers called for urgent investigations, warning that Musk’s access to the Treasury’s financial infrastructure could jeopardize millions of Americans’ benefits. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden have been among the most vocal critics, fearing that DOGE’s cost-cutting measures could directly impact Social Security and Medicare payouts.
Adding to the chaos, a coalition of 19 states filed a lawsuit to block DOGE from accessing the Treasury’s systems. A federal judge responded by issuing a temporary injunction, preventing Musk’s team from using or storing any data they may have accessed.
Is Social Security Safe?
So, are Donald Trump and Elon Musk really defunding Social Security? The short answer is no—not yet.
While DOGE’s focus is on cutting government spending, there is no official plan to defund Social Security or Medicare—at least for now. However, the unprecedented access given to Musk’s team has created valid concerns about the future of these programs.
For now, Social Security and Medicare benefits remain unchanged, but watchdog groups and lawmakers are keeping a close eye on what happens next.
