Elon Musk Calls Federal Spending On Social Security, Benefit Programs 'The Big One' To Cut
HuffPost
The billionaire entrepreneur, who is advising President Donald Trump, suggested that $500 billion to $700 billion in "waste" needed to be cut.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Elon Musk pushed debunked theories about Social Security on Monday while describing federal benefit programs as rife with fraud, suggesting they will be a primary target in his crusade to reduce government spending.
The billionaire entrepreneur, who is advising President Donald Trump, suggested that $500 billion to $700 billion in waste needed to be cut.
“Most of the federal spending is entitlements,” Musk told the Fox Business Network. “That’s the big one to eliminate.”
The comments on the popular program and other benefits provided to Americans could rattle politicians on both sides of the aisle as Musk works to downsize the federal government, especially as he already faces blowback for his chainsaw-wielding approach to laying off workers and slashing programs.
Musk’s estimate for the level of fraud in entitlements far outpaces figures from watchdogs like Social Security’s inspector general, who previously said there was $71.8 billion in improper payments from fiscal years 2015 through 2022. That’s less than 1% of benefits paid out during that time period.
The escalating trade tensions punished U.S. markets Monday.
Black art is, always has been, and always will be a method to help our people find paths to freedom. We won't stop now.
1.5 million Americans are now paying around $70 more a month for electricity because of Trump’s tariffs.
The president's efforts are getting old — and worrisome.
Just as quietly as it was removed, a commemorative coin honoring police who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, has been quietly reinstated.
The conservative-led court is taking up the case amid aggressive actions by President Donald Trump targeting transgender people.
In Trump's idealized framing, America was at its zenith when top hats and shirtwaists were fashionable and typhoid fever often killed more soldiers than combat.
“Welcome to the States, boys," the UFC president told the misogynist influencer and his brother Tristan during Power Slap 12 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Americans also think Donald Trump is like one particular "South Park" character, said Harry Enten.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat also listed the Trump moves that show "we’re certainly headed toward" autocracy.
Patrick Brazeau said he's 100% serious about getting in the ring with Donald Trump's son.
The president posted a column from conservative activist Charlie Kirk telling people to stop complaining about egg prices.
The political commentator had "done nothing but talk smack about the president since day one,” the musician said.