Topline
Elon Musk lauded his Department of Government Efficiency in a Thursday interview with Fox News, saying the work of the agency, which has drawn criticism over its sweeping and rapid layoffs to the federal workforce, will allow Social Security recipients to “receive more money.”
Musk’s interview with Baier aired Thursday. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesKey Facts
Musk, appearing for the first time in an interview alongside DOGE officials, told Fox News’ Bret Baier “legitimate recipients” of Social Security will receive more money, not less money” as a result of DOGE’s cost-cutting efforts.
The billionaire and senior adviser to President Donald Trump added his vow for increased Social Security benefits “will be proven out to be true,” saying “let the record show that I said this.”
Musk did not explain exactly how DOGE’s work would translate into a boost in benefits, which are already adjusted annually to consider the rising cost of living.
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Contra
Former Social Security Administration commissioner and former Democratic Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley told CNBC that DOGE’S actions and IT outages at the administration have put monthly benefits at risk, saying, “Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits.” Shelley Washington, executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923, told The New York Times that Musk’s agency is “firing first and aiming later,” expressing concern about older, most experienced employees potentially losing their jobs.
What Else Did Musk Say In His Interview With Fox?
Musk told Baier DOGE plans to cut government spending by $1 trillion within roughly the next two months. The plan means DOGE would need to cut over half of the $1.8 trillion put toward non-defense discretionary programs last year, according to Bloomberg. The billionaire also said DOGE is “confident” it can secure a 15% reduction in funding without impacting critical government services.
Key Background
The Social Security Administration has undergone some major changes since the start of Trump’s second term and Musk’s rise to governmental power overseeing DOGE. The agency announced last month it would lay off 7,000 of its roughly 57,000 employees and recently required employees to return to in-office work. Musk’s DOGE has targeted a swath of government agencies in its attempt to cut government spending and reduce the federal workforce. DOGE has received backlash for errors linked to its savings tracker and firings at agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Environmental Protection Agency, Small Business Administration and many more. Judges have ordered the Trump administration to rehire or place on administrative leave previously fired employees at over a dozen federal agencies.
Further Reading
Social Security Administration Backtracks On Controversial Plan Cutting Phone Services (Forbes)
Here’s What We Know About Trump And Musk’s Social Security Plans—As Agency Reportedly Mulls Cutting Phone Services (Forbes)
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