Social Security stirs backlash after unexpected message lands in inboxes
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Something unusual appeared in inboxes last Friday morning.
What seemed like just another routine message from a government agency quickly took a different tone.
The reaction was swift—some felt shocked, others confused, and many, downright angry.
Now, questions are swirling around what was said, who said it, and why it was said in the first place.
Last Friday morning, people who subscribed to Social Security updates received an email with the subject line: Social Security Applauds Passage of Legislation Providing Historic Tax Relief for Seniors.
The email praised the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a sweeping piece of legislation backed by former President Donald Trump.
The email stated that 90 percent of Social Security beneficiaries “will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, providing meaningful and immediate relief to seniors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation's economy.”
The message included a glowing quote from SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano, who said the bill is “a historic step forward for America’s seniors.”
The commissioner added that the law “reaffirms President Trump's promise to protect Social Security and helps ensure that seniors can better enjoy the retirement they've earned.”
But the email wasn’t received as a neutral announcement—it instead sparked a political firestorm.
The controversy began with a single point: The SSA, a nonpartisan federal agency, is legally obligated to remain neutral.
Critics say the message reads more like a campaign endorsement than a routine policy update. They argue that the agency crossed a line—and possibly broke the law.
One of the most serious accusations is a potential violation of the Hatch Act, a federal law that prohibits most executive branch employees from engaging in partisan political activity.
This includes the Social Security Administration and its commissioner. Many have questioned whether the SSA’s glowing language about the OBBBA and former President Trump could be considered a political promotion.
Also read: Changes to Social Security payments are coming—here’s what to expect
The message was also posted to the SSA’s official website. But even if the Hatch Act wasn’t violated, experts say the email is misleading.
That’s because the bill does not eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits. It instead raises the standard deduction by $6,000 for Americans aged 65 and older.
This change starts in 2025 and runs through 2028. This means seniors could have more of their income shielded from taxation—but the current tax rules for Social Security benefits remain unchanged.
For those who exceed income thresholds, taxes will still apply to a portion of their Social Security benefits.
That’s why many are calling the claim that 90 percent will no longer pay taxes inaccurate or, at best, exaggerated.
Reactions came swiftly from lawmakers, former officials, and policy experts. Rep. Frank Pallone said online, “Every word of it is a lie.”
He added, “This big, ugly bill doesn’t change that. It’s disturbing to see Trump hijack a public institution to push blatant misinformation.”
Jeff Nesbit, who served as Deputy Commissioner of the SSA under President Joe Biden, echoed the concern. He said, “The agency has never issued such a blatant political statement.” He described the situation as “unbelievable” and “unconscionable.”
Public reaction online mirrored this outrage. One commenter wrote, “I mean that Social Security email has got to be a Hatch Act violation, correct?”
Another said, “Federal agencies must remain neutral. The Hatch Act exists for a reason.” As of now, the SSA has not issued a clarification or follow-up response. Newsweek reported that it reached out to the agency but has yet to receive a comment.
Also read: New warning for email users: The scam that tricks you into handing over control
This situation matters for one major reason: trust. For decades, the Social Security Administration has been viewed as a reliable, nonpartisan source of public information.
When that perception is shaken, seniors—many of whom rely on these benefits for survival—are left uncertain about what to believe.
And when the facts are blurred, confusion around taxes and retirement planning can have real-life consequences. As lawmakers weigh potential responses and experts debate legal boundaries, many are now wondering, what’s next?
Some are calling for an investigation into whether the email was a Hatch Act violation. Others are demanding an official response or retraction from the SSA.
But so far, no additional guidance or explanation has been offered. Be cautious when reading messages—even if they come from official agencies.
Read next: This Social Security scam isn’t just stealing info—it could hijack your whole system
Were you surprised by the SSA email? Do you think federal agencies should remain strictly nonpartisan—or is there room for messaging like this? Have you ever felt confused by government updates about your benefits? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
What seemed like just another routine message from a government agency quickly took a different tone.
The reaction was swift—some felt shocked, others confused, and many, downright angry.
Now, questions are swirling around what was said, who said it, and why it was said in the first place.
Last Friday morning, people who subscribed to Social Security updates received an email with the subject line: Social Security Applauds Passage of Legislation Providing Historic Tax Relief for Seniors.
The email praised the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a sweeping piece of legislation backed by former President Donald Trump.
The email stated that 90 percent of Social Security beneficiaries “will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, providing meaningful and immediate relief to seniors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation's economy.”
The message included a glowing quote from SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano, who said the bill is “a historic step forward for America’s seniors.”
What seemed like just another routine message from a government agency quickly took a different tone. Image Source: Brett Jordan / Unsplash
The commissioner added that the law “reaffirms President Trump's promise to protect Social Security and helps ensure that seniors can better enjoy the retirement they've earned.”
But the email wasn’t received as a neutral announcement—it instead sparked a political firestorm.
The controversy began with a single point: The SSA, a nonpartisan federal agency, is legally obligated to remain neutral.
Critics say the message reads more like a campaign endorsement than a routine policy update. They argue that the agency crossed a line—and possibly broke the law.
One of the most serious accusations is a potential violation of the Hatch Act, a federal law that prohibits most executive branch employees from engaging in partisan political activity.
This includes the Social Security Administration and its commissioner. Many have questioned whether the SSA’s glowing language about the OBBBA and former President Trump could be considered a political promotion.
Also read: Changes to Social Security payments are coming—here’s what to expect
The message was also posted to the SSA’s official website. But even if the Hatch Act wasn’t violated, experts say the email is misleading.
That’s because the bill does not eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits. It instead raises the standard deduction by $6,000 for Americans aged 65 and older.
This change starts in 2025 and runs through 2028. This means seniors could have more of their income shielded from taxation—but the current tax rules for Social Security benefits remain unchanged.
For those who exceed income thresholds, taxes will still apply to a portion of their Social Security benefits.
That’s why many are calling the claim that 90 percent will no longer pay taxes inaccurate or, at best, exaggerated.
Reactions came swiftly from lawmakers, former officials, and policy experts. Rep. Frank Pallone said online, “Every word of it is a lie.”
He added, “This big, ugly bill doesn’t change that. It’s disturbing to see Trump hijack a public institution to push blatant misinformation.”
Jeff Nesbit, who served as Deputy Commissioner of the SSA under President Joe Biden, echoed the concern. He said, “The agency has never issued such a blatant political statement.” He described the situation as “unbelievable” and “unconscionable.”
Public reaction online mirrored this outrage. One commenter wrote, “I mean that Social Security email has got to be a Hatch Act violation, correct?”
Another said, “Federal agencies must remain neutral. The Hatch Act exists for a reason.” As of now, the SSA has not issued a clarification or follow-up response. Newsweek reported that it reached out to the agency but has yet to receive a comment.
Also read: New warning for email users: The scam that tricks you into handing over control
This situation matters for one major reason: trust. For decades, the Social Security Administration has been viewed as a reliable, nonpartisan source of public information.
When that perception is shaken, seniors—many of whom rely on these benefits for survival—are left uncertain about what to believe.
And when the facts are blurred, confusion around taxes and retirement planning can have real-life consequences. As lawmakers weigh potential responses and experts debate legal boundaries, many are now wondering, what’s next?
Some are calling for an investigation into whether the email was a Hatch Act violation. Others are demanding an official response or retraction from the SSA.
But so far, no additional guidance or explanation has been offered. Be cautious when reading messages—even if they come from official agencies.
Read next: This Social Security scam isn’t just stealing info—it could hijack your whole system
