Lutnick's Comments on Social Security Payment Concerns Trigger Backlash Amid Proposed Changes
Commerce Secretary Lutnick suggests concerns over missing Social Security checks only arise from fraudsters, igniting anger from lawmakers and experts regarding the importance of benefits.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $3/month or $30/year, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get Started
Lutnick is estimated to have a net worth exceeding $1.5 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Commerce boss says 'fraudsters' complain about missing social security, not honest people
USA TODAY·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.As the staff cuts at the Social Security Administration leave monthly benefit payments to tens of millions of Americans up in the air — alarming former SSA leaders on both sides of the aisle — Howard Lutnick, the Secretary of Commerce, doesn't think you should be complaining if your check doesn't show up.
Business Insider·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
For generations, Social Security was called "the third rail of American politics" — many talked of reform, but in the end no one really touched the system.
Axios·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
I find it disgusting when we’re the richest country in the world, and some politician says in order to save Social Security, rather than getting rid of the waste, fraud and abuse, we should move it to 70.
Commerce secretary: No one but ‘fraudsters’ would complain about missed Social Security check
The Hill·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Lutnick's assertion that Social Security beneficiaries would be unbothered by a missed payment ignores the fact that for millions of recipients, those monthly benefits are critical.
Trump Cabinet official doubts seniors would be upset over missed Social Security payments
AlterNet·1M·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.LeftThis outlet favors left-wing views.
Lutnick — a billionaire whose in-laws are also affluent — doesn’t seem to understand this, to say the least.
Billionaire Trump Official Says Missing Social Security Checks Are No Big Deal
Rolling Stone·1M·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.LeftThis outlet favors left-wing views.
Summary
In a controversial podcast appearance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed only "fraudsters" complain about missing Social Security checks, suggesting that elderly beneficiaries would not. With over 70 million Americans relying on these payments, critics argue Lutnick's remarks are out of touch. His comments align with ongoing discussions about significant budget cuts and restructuring at the Social Security Administration spearheaded by the Trump administration. Amid these tensions, a federal judge has blocked a federal team's access to sensitive SSA records, citing illegal conduct. Advocates warn against potential disruptions in benefits processes, emphasizing the program's importance to many vulnerable recipients.
Perspectives
Howard Lutnick claims that many individuals receiving Social Security benefits are fraudulent or undeserving, contributing to financial waste in the program.
The Trump administration has initiated major restructuring within the Social Security Administration, including workforce cuts and policy changes aimed at addressing perceived fraud.
Lutnick suggests that stopping payments could help identify fraud, arguing that legitimate beneficiaries typically do not complain about missed payments.
FAQs
History
- 1M