Here is what the GOP and Trump team are thinking.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has made it clear that the GOP’s primary focus is on reducing taxes and improving the fiscal health of the federal government. During an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker on Sunday, Johnson addressed the issue of entitlement programs, specifically Social Security, acknowledging the concerns raised by tech mogul Elon Musk about the program’s efficiency. While the recent House budget bill does not explicitly mention cuts to Social Security, Johnson emphasized the need to root out “fraud, waste, and abuse” in the system, something Musk has highlighted through his investigations.
Social Security, which provides vital benefits to retirees, the disabled, and survivors of deceased workers, serves over 71 million Americans. However, the program is facing a looming funding crisis that could leave it unable to fully pay out benefits by the mid-2030s. As the country’s debt exceeds $36 trillion, Johnson believes that it’s possible to address fiscal responsibility while also preserving the integrity of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, ensuring they remain solvent for those who truly rely on them.
While some critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, argue that the House’s recent budget bill could eventually lead to massive cuts in Medicaid, Speaker Johnson has made it clear that cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security are not part of the current plan. However, the bill does ask the Energy and Commerce Committee to identify savings in various federal programs, raising concerns among Democrats about potential cuts to Medicaid, which provides critical healthcare for low-income Americans.
Johnson also pointed out that Musk’s investigation into the Social Security Administration (SSA) has uncovered significant waste, further fueling the argument for reform. In fact, Musk has gone so far as to call Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” a statement that has drawn backlash from Democrats. President Trump, on the other hand, has assured the public that Social Security will not be cut, though he has acknowledged the need to combat fraud within the system.
While cases of fraud are rare—making up less than 1% of benefits—Republicans argue that rooting out inefficiencies is critical to protecting Social Security’s long-term viability. Speaker Johnson echoed this sentiment, stressing that eliminating waste will ensure that programs can continue to support Americans in need without becoming financially unsustainable.
As the U.S. Senate reviews the budget bill, the debate over entitlement programs continues, with Republicans like Johnson and Musk focusing on reform, while Democrats insist on protecting Social Security as a fundamental promise to American workers.