“We’re going to reform it.” Will Social Security undergo more changes? Here’s what we know.
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For many, Social Security is an essential part of retirement.
Recently, a statement from Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, raised concerns about its future.
Tuberville’s comments about potential changes to entitlement programs have left many wondering what lies ahead for this vital program.
Senator Tommy Tuberville warned on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures that entitlement programs like Social Security could "blow up" if Democrats don’t support Republican policy reforms and tax cuts.
He joined Jackie DeAngelis to discuss the Senate GOP budget, which narrowly passed 51-48 on Saturday.
Senators Rand Paul and Susan Collins voted against it.
A similar resolution must be approved by the House of Representatives for the reconciliation process to proceed.
The bill includes extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, increasing the national debt, and boosting funding for the border and Pentagon.
Tuberville stressed the need to address tax cuts quickly, stating, "because this will help out with the tariffs," referring to Trump's recent tariffs on 180 countries.
Speaking about Democrats, Tuberville said, "Their only complaint that they have, which is totally wrong, saying we're going to cut Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, they couldn’t be any further from the truth, we're not going to do that, we're going to reform it."
He later added, "Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are going to blow up and go broke if we continue down the path of what the Democrats want," emphasizing, "we have to reform it."
While some political figures, including President Donald Trump, have stated that Social Security will not face cuts, others have raised concerns about the program’s sustainability.
Some lawmakers, like Senator Bernie Sanders, have criticized the Senate GOP's recent budget proposal, arguing that it could divert funds away from programs like Social Security in favor of tax cuts for wealthier individuals.
In an email to Newsweek, the senator’s office criticized the GOP proposal as an “absurd budget that cuts programs working-class families depend on to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.”
On Saturday, tens of thousands of protesters participated in "Hands Off!" rallies across the US and in parts of Europe, calling on Trump and Musk to keep their “hands off” Social Security, federal jobs, Medicaid, and more.
The Social Security Administration (SSA), established in 1935, is grappling with a funding shortfall that may prevent it from fully paying benefits by the mid-2030s.
According to the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), millions of Americans rely on government-supported health insurance programs.
As of December 2024, 68.4 million are enrolled in Medicare, and over 79 million are enrolled in Medicaid as of November 2024.
As the debate continues, President Trump and other political figures have assured the public that they are committed to preserving Social Security.
In February, President Donald Trump assured Fox News, "Social Security won't be touched, other than if there's fraud or something... It's going to be strengthened... Medicare, Medicaid, none of that stuff is going to be touched."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also voiced support for this approach, emphasizing the importance of making permanent the tax relief from 2017.
On the other hand, some lawmakers, including Senator Sanders, said in a statement: "Maybe worst of all, at a time when Mr. Musk and his billionaire associates are laying off thousands of workers at the Social Security Administration, shutting down offices nationwide, and making it harder for people with disabilities and seniors to access the benefits they've paid into their whole lives, this bill does nothing to address that crisis."
On March 1, Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, posted on social media: "Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme; it’s a promise that every American contributes to so they can retire with dignity. Speak up and tell Elon Musk to keep his hands OFF Social Security."
With varying perspectives on how to ensure its sustainability, it’s essential for the public to stay informed and engaged in the conversation.
Read next: One major industry just dodged Trump’s global tariff—Here’s why it matters to you.
How do you view the future of Social Security? What are your thoughts on the recent discussions and proposals? We invite you to share your perspective in the comments below. ]
Recently, a statement from Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, raised concerns about its future.
Tuberville’s comments about potential changes to entitlement programs have left many wondering what lies ahead for this vital program.
Senator Tommy Tuberville warned on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures that entitlement programs like Social Security could "blow up" if Democrats don’t support Republican policy reforms and tax cuts.
He joined Jackie DeAngelis to discuss the Senate GOP budget, which narrowly passed 51-48 on Saturday.
Senators Rand Paul and Susan Collins voted against it.
Stay informed on the future of Social Security and its potential impacts. Image Source: YouTube / MSNBC.
A similar resolution must be approved by the House of Representatives for the reconciliation process to proceed.
The bill includes extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, increasing the national debt, and boosting funding for the border and Pentagon.
Tuberville stressed the need to address tax cuts quickly, stating, "because this will help out with the tariffs," referring to Trump's recent tariffs on 180 countries.
Speaking about Democrats, Tuberville said, "Their only complaint that they have, which is totally wrong, saying we're going to cut Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, they couldn’t be any further from the truth, we're not going to do that, we're going to reform it."
He later added, "Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are going to blow up and go broke if we continue down the path of what the Democrats want," emphasizing, "we have to reform it."
While some political figures, including President Donald Trump, have stated that Social Security will not face cuts, others have raised concerns about the program’s sustainability.
Also read: Trump's new rule change could drastically affect your Social Security benefits
The political debate: Reforms and public concerns
Some lawmakers, like Senator Bernie Sanders, have criticized the Senate GOP's recent budget proposal, arguing that it could divert funds away from programs like Social Security in favor of tax cuts for wealthier individuals.
In an email to Newsweek, the senator’s office criticized the GOP proposal as an “absurd budget that cuts programs working-class families depend on to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.”
On Saturday, tens of thousands of protesters participated in "Hands Off!" rallies across the US and in parts of Europe, calling on Trump and Musk to keep their “hands off” Social Security, federal jobs, Medicaid, and more.
Also read: What’s happening with Social Security? Many seniors aren’t feeling reassured
Social Security’s funding challenges
The Social Security Administration (SSA), established in 1935, is grappling with a funding shortfall that may prevent it from fully paying benefits by the mid-2030s.
According to the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), millions of Americans rely on government-supported health insurance programs.
As of December 2024, 68.4 million are enrolled in Medicare, and over 79 million are enrolled in Medicaid as of November 2024.
Protesters gather for a "Hands Off!" rally, expressing their concerns over the future of Social Security and other entitlement programs. Image Source: YouTube / WUSA9.
Also read: A system under pressure: What’s changing at Social Security Administration?
What’s being said: Perspectives on the issue
As the debate continues, President Trump and other political figures have assured the public that they are committed to preserving Social Security.
In February, President Donald Trump assured Fox News, "Social Security won't be touched, other than if there's fraud or something... It's going to be strengthened... Medicare, Medicaid, none of that stuff is going to be touched."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also voiced support for this approach, emphasizing the importance of making permanent the tax relief from 2017.
On the other hand, some lawmakers, including Senator Sanders, said in a statement: "Maybe worst of all, at a time when Mr. Musk and his billionaire associates are laying off thousands of workers at the Social Security Administration, shutting down offices nationwide, and making it harder for people with disabilities and seniors to access the benefits they've paid into their whole lives, this bill does nothing to address that crisis."
On March 1, Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, posted on social media: "Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme; it’s a promise that every American contributes to so they can retire with dignity. Speak up and tell Elon Musk to keep his hands OFF Social Security."
With varying perspectives on how to ensure its sustainability, it’s essential for the public to stay informed and engaged in the conversation.
Read next: One major industry just dodged Trump’s global tariff—Here’s why it matters to you.
How do you view the future of Social Security? What are your thoughts on the recent discussions and proposals? We invite you to share your perspective in the comments below. ]
