President Donald Trump’s promises to safeguard Social Security and Medicare are being complicated by his close adviser Elon Musk’s far-reaching cost-cutting efforts at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Social Security has long been in a fraught position. Here are three things President Donald Trump has discussed that would affect the program.

The Social Security Administration announced Friday it's cutting 7,000 jobs, as Trump and Musk have claimed there's fraud at the agency.

From eliminating taxes on benefits to major staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration, President Donald Trump’s proposals could impact the benefits you’ve earned. In 2025, you might see some relief if Social Security benefits become tax-free,

During his campaign, President Trump wrote on social media, "Seniors should not pay tax on Social Security." He has doubled down on that promise since the election. In February, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump would implement the "largest tax cut in history," including the elimination of taxes on Social Security.

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There are millions of older Americans today who collect a monthly benefit from Social Security. And for many people, those benefits are a critical source of income — particularly folks who sorely lack retirement savings.

Since 1940, the Social Security Board of Trustees has released an annual report that intricately details how the program generates income and where every dollar of its outlays (i.e., benefits and, to a lesser extent, administrative expenses) is directed.