Is Elon Musk now targeting Social Security benefits?

Elon Musk, who has been tasked with reducing wasteful government expenditures, may now be focusing on Social Security benefits. On Tuesday, Musk revealed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had conducted a preliminary assessment of Social Security records.

During a press briefing at the White House Oval Office alongside President Donald Trump, Musk stated that they had discovered benefits being paid to individuals supposedly aged 150 years.

"There are some crazy things—just a cursory examination of Social Security shows we've got people in there who are about 150 years old," Musk said. "Now, do you know anyone who's 150? I don't. They should be in the Guinness Book of World Records—they're missing out." He further added, "So in cases like these, I think they're probably dead—that's my guess—or they should be very famous. One of the two."


As a special government employee leading DOGE, Musk highlighted concerns about Social Security payments lacking proper identification details. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that legitimate beneficiaries receive their payments promptly and accurately.

Addressing DOGE's broader objectives regarding federal spending efficiency, Musk stressed the need for responsible taxpayer money management. "If your taxpayer dollars are not spent in a sensible and frugal manner, then that's not okay. Your tax dollars need to be spent wisely on things that matter to the people," he stated.

He concluded by explaining their approach: "It's not draconian or radical. It's really just about looking at each expenditure and asking, 'Is this actually in the best interest of the people?' If it is, it's approved. If not, we should reconsider it."

Can Trump Shut Down Social Security Payouts?

According to the Morning Star, despite controlling the government, Republicans may still struggle to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

"The GOP majority in the House is so razor-thin—there are currently 218 Republicans to 215 Democrats—that to pass any major legislation, House Speaker Mike Johnson will need virtually every single Republican vote. Given deep Republican divisions on tax and spending issues, getting 100% agreement on anything is quite a stretch," the report argued.