In a recent interview, Elon Musk shared controversial views regarding Social Security and other federal benefit programs, labeling these as fraught with fraud and in dire need of budgetary cuts. During his conversation with the Fox Business Network, Musk stated that the U.S. federal spending predominantly constitutes entitlement programs and estimated a staggering $500 billion to $700 billion as waste needing elimination. This assertion has potential political repercussions across party lines as Musk, who advises President Donald Trump, advocates for minimizing government expenditure despite facing opposition for his aggressive cost-cutting methods in other ventures.
Musk’s estimates on fraudulent activities far exceed those reported by oversight agencies such as the Social Security inspector general, who accounted for $71.8 billion of improper payments from 2015 to 2022—less than 1% of the benefits disbursed over that duration. Musk further postulated that 20 million deceased individuals are erroneously listed as alive within the Social Security database, despite agency leaders refuting significant payment inaccuracies to deceased recipients. According to Lee Dudek, Social Security’s acting commissioner, not all listed individuals are beneficiaries.
The interview highlighted Musk’s skepticism and antagonism towards Social Security, a key program offering support to retirees and certain minors. While Trump has committed to maintaining Social Security, Musk has critiqued it as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” Furthermore, he accused federal entitlements of serving as tools for Democrats to lure illegal immigrants into the U.S., subsequently converting them into voters, echoing the contentious “great replacement” theory related to demographic changes.
The exchange, moderated by Larry Kudlow within the White House, underscored Musk’s influential yet unconventional role as an advisor in Trump’s administration. Musk expressed his surprise at his position, calling it a peculiar development. Still overseeing his enterprises, Musk thanked Trump for his trust, acknowledging presidential support as crucial for federal government reforms. Despite vocal backing from Trump, who supports a more surgical than ruthless approach under Musk’s guidance, group opinions remain divided regarding Musk’s advisory involvement.
Musk’s public communications have been sparse, typically utilizing his social media platform, X, for engaging with an audience. In a recent posting spree, he condemned Democratic actions against Tesla, declared X a premier global news source, and criticized Sen. Mark Kelly for his Ukraine visit. His conversation with Kudlow marks Musk’s third public interview since assuming his advisory role, maintaining a steady ideological stance previously showcased alongside Trump on Fox News and during a discussion with podcaster Joe Rogan.
The broader Republican goal aligns with Musk’s efforts to decrease government bureaucracy and waste. However, partisan unity is fragile, with some within Republican ranks opposing certain budgetary cuts. Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina endorsed Musk’s actions, declaring public fatigue over governmental inefficiency and waste. Conversely, backed by constituents’ needs, Rep. Tom Cole secured the continued operation of key federal offices in Oklahoma, highlighting regional service importance and reflecting varying levels of GOP support.
Public opinion appears split; a CNN/SSRS survey indicated half of respondents view Musk’s involvement in Trump’s administration unfavorably, while only a third support it. Further, a Washington Post/Ipsos poll found an even division on whether Musk’s financial trimming primarily targets unnecessary expenditures or critical services, leaving a portion of Americans uncertain.
