Trump vows Social Security will thrive for another '90 years' * WorldNetDaily * by Philip Wegmann, Real Clear Wire
wnd.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 2:57:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Democratic Party Responses, Presidential Campaigns
Nearly a century removed, the Republican president heralded his Democratic predecessor for "one of the most significant pieces of legislation ever signed into law," the bill that created Social Security.
The program turned 90 this month. Without reform, its 100th anniversary is not guaranteed.
President Trump still heralded FDR for the program, created at the height of the Great Depression, and vowed in the Oval Office to preserve and improve it "for 90 years and beyond." The president said this was his "sacred pledge to our seniors." Had he not returned to the White House, Trump boasted, "Social Security was going to be destroyed."
And true to his word, Trump has not meddled with senior benefits. His marquee legislation has, in fact, reduced their tax burden by making Social Security benefits tax-free. But the actuarial tables are less rosy than the president put on in front of the cameras.
According to new estimates from the program's chief actuary, Karen Glenn, Social Security will not make it to its 100th birthday as things stand. Instead, the trust fund will be insolvent in just seven years. Money was expected to run out by the first quarter of 2033, but after the One Big Beautiful Bill became law and made benefits tax-free, that forecast was moved up slightly to the fourth quarter of 2032.
At that point, according to analysis by the Congressional Research Service, the federal government would have three options at the point: increase taxes, decrease benefits, or a combination of the two.
Trump, who will have joined the ranks of former presidents by then, seemed unconcerned with those predictions. "You keep hearing stories that 'in six years, seven years, Social Security will be gone,'" he told reporters, "and it will be if the Democrats ever get involved because they don't know what they're doing." So long as his party is in control, he promised, "it's going to be around a long time with us."
Despite accusations from the left, Republicans have been unwilling to touch the program despite the flashing fiscal warning lights. A political football during campaign season, the popular entitlement is an entrenched third rail on Capitol Hill.
The financial troubles of Social Security are not new. They have worsened through both Republican and Democratic administrations alike. Every single report published by the Social Security trustees since 1983, as the liberal Brookings Institution notes, has found that the program faces a shortfall. Confronting that fiscal cliff was once conservative orthodoxy.
Former President George W. Bush warned that Social Security was "headed toward bankruptcy." Betting much of his legacy on the reform, the Republican proposed partial privatization and a provision allowing citizens to divert some of their taxes into investments. Ultimately, it was stillborn and never even received a vote in Congress. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney later proposed more modest reforms while running for president, like increasing the retirement age and reducing benefits for the wealthy, only to be pilloried on the campaign trail.
Despite warnings from Elon Musk, who described Social Security as "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time" while still a member of the administration, Trump has shown no appetite for overhauling the program in its entirety. His administration has instead focused on making the bureaucracy more efficient while rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse.
Social Security Administrator Frank Bisignano has been at the helm of the agency for less than three months and arrived at the White House eager to give a report.
Customer service has improved; the average wait time is down from 30 minutes to six. New technology has gone live; seniors can now access information 24//7 online about their benefits. The backlog of disability claims has been reduced by 26% and 3.1 million payments were sent to beneficiaries months ahead of schedule.
To the delight of the president, more than a quarter of a million illegal immigrants have been removed from the system, and millions over the age of 100 have been removed from the rolls, though it is unclear if a majority of those deceased centenarians were still receiving payments.
After the modernization efforts are complete and fraud is addressed, Bisignano told reporters, "When we do all that, then we'll really know the answer to if we have a hole."
Some experts find that kind of assessment overoptimistic and stress that fraud is already comparatively rare in Social Security. "There is always room for improvement, especially when it comes to the disability program," the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget concluded in a recent paper, "but fraud and abuse are rare in the Social Security program - certainly not large enough to make a significant difference in the program's finances."
A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration told RealClearPolitics that ensuring the long-term health of the trust fund remains "a top priority" and that Bisignano is committed to working with Congress, the White House, and other stakeholders to strengthen the program.
"During the Oval Office event today," the spokesperson continued, "Commissioner Bisignano detailed some of the ways SSA is working to tackle waste, fraud, and abuse under President Trump's leadership to ensure that the program can continue to thrive for the next 90 years."
Sign Our PetitionThe recent remarks by former President Trump regarding the future of Social Security provide a rich backdrop for exploring the historical significance of this program and the ongoing ideological battles it represents. Established during the Great Depression under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Social Security was not merely a safety net; it symbolized a fundamental shift in the relationship between the American government and its citizens—one that recognized the collective responsibility to support the welfare of its most vulnerable individuals. As the program celebrates its 90th anniversary, the discourse around its sustainability raises critical questions about the values that underpin American governance and social justice.
Despite Trump's assertion that Social Security will thrive for another 90 years, the reality is starkly different. The program’s trust fund is projected to become insolvent by 2032, which suggests a pressing need for reform rather than complacency. Trump's rhetoric, framing the Democrats as the potential destroyers of Social Security, serves to divert attention from the historical context of the program’s challenges, which have persisted across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The consistent warnings of impending insolvency, as noted by the Brookings Institution, highlight the bipartisan failure to adequately address the structural issues plaguing Social Security. This raises significant concerns regarding the prioritization of political survival over the well-being of millions of Americans who depend on the program for their livelihoods.
Historically, the Republican Party has oscillated between advocating for privatization and expressing concerns about the program’s financial viability—most notably during the Bush administration. Bush's attempt to privatize Social Security was met with widespread public resistance, reflecting the deep-seated belief among many Americans that Social Security is a fundamental right rather than a privilege. The failure of this initiative reveals an enduring truth: the majority of Americans value Social Security not just as a financial safety net, but as a cornerstone of social equity and justice. This is particularly relevant in the context of ongoing social struggles, including the fight against inequality and the demand for universal access to essential services.
In the political landscape today, Social Security has become a "third rail"—a term that epitomizes its political importance and the potential consequences for those who dare to challenge it. The fear of political backlash has kept many from proposing radical changes, but it also highlights the need for a serious, honest conversation about the future of the program. Instead of engaging in fear-mongering about potential insolvency, policymakers must confront the root causes of the fiscal shortfall, such as income inequality and the pressure on the workforce from automation and economic downturns. Addressing these issues through comprehensive economic reforms could not only ensure the longevity of Social Security but also enhance it to better serve future generations.
Moreover, the debate surrounding Social Security cannot be decoupled from larger systemic injustices, including the racial and gender disparities that shape economic security in America. The current structure of Social Security benefits has implications for marginalized communities who disproportionately rely on these funds. For example, women, who often earn less than men and take time off for caregiving, face greater risks of poverty in retirement. Therefore, a progressive approach to reforming Social Security must prioritize equity, ensuring that benefits reflect the realities of a diverse and changing society. This would involve expanding benefits for those most in need, rather than merely focusing on preserving the status quo.
In conclusion, as we reflect on the future of Social Security, it is imperative to advocate for a comprehensive understanding of its role in American society. While Trump’s promises may resonate with those seeking reassurance, they mask the deeper issues at play. By engaging in fact-based discussions that connect current events to historical precedents and ongoing social struggles, we can illuminate the paths toward reform that prioritize the welfare of all citizens rather than the political ambitions of a few. The survival of Social Security is not just a matter of fiscal policy; it is intrinsic to the broader project of social justice and equity that continues to define the American narrative.
The discourse surrounding Social Security in the United States has always been a contentious one, particularly as we approach significant anniversaries of the program. This year, as Social Security marks its 90th anniversary, a discourse led by prominent political figures, including former President Trump, highlights the complex interplay of historical context, fiscal realities, and political maneuvering. While Trump lauds the program, founded under Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, the underlying financial challenges it faces cannot be overlooked. The fact that the system is projected to be insolvent in just a few years raises critical questions about the future of this essential safety net for millions of Americans.
Historically, Social Security has served as a pillar of economic stability for retirees, the disabled, and surviving family members. It was born out of necessity during a time of unparalleled economic hardship, designed to prevent the elderly from falling into poverty. Yet, over the decades, Social Security has been subjected to relentless political footballing, particularly among conservative factions that have sought to undermine its foundations through privatization schemes. Such proposals often masquerade as "reforms" but fundamentally threaten the security that millions depend on. As we witness the current conversation around Social Security, it is crucial for Americans to remember that the program’s challenges have been compounded by decades of policy decisions that have favored tax cuts for the wealthy over bolstering social safety nets.
Trump's assurance that Social Security will endure "for another 90 years" is a comforting soundbite, yet it glosses over the stark reality that the trust fund is on a collision course with insolvency. His narrative implies that the solution lies solely within the confines of the Republican party, while disregarding the critical need for comprehensive reform that includes increased funding and equitable tax structures. The looming insolvency projected for 2032 is not merely a financial shortfall; it signifies the potential erosion of a vital public good. The responsibility to safeguard Social Security should transcend partisan lines, demanding a collective effort to enact sustainable policy solutions.
In grappling with the future of Social Security, Americans must advocate for reforms that prioritize the program's long-term viability. This includes exploring options such as lifting the payroll tax cap, which currently exempts high earners from contributing to Social Security beyond a certain income threshold. By ensuring that those with higher incomes contribute their fair share, we can bolster the program's funding and enhance its sustainability. Additionally, there should be a concerted push for expanding benefits rather than merely preserving the status quo. By addressing the inadequacies in benefits that many retirees face, we can reaffirm the societal commitment to support our aging population.
Ultimately, the conversation surrounding Social Security is more than just a fiscal issue; it is a reflection of our societal values and priorities. As advocates for progressive change, we must engage in educating others about the importance of Social Security and the implications of its potential demise. This means actively participating in dialogues that counter the prevailing narratives and push for accountable governance that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens. Through grassroots organizing, advocacy, and informed discussions, we can challenge those who would seek to diminish this fundamental program and work toward a future where Social Security is not only preserved but strengthened for generations to come.
To address the issues raised in the article regarding the future of Social Security, it's important to mobilize and advocate for its preservation and reform in proactive and meaningful ways. Here’s a detailed list of ideas and actions that you can take:
### Personal Actions to Support Social Security
1. **Educate Yourself and Others** - Stay informed about Social Security and its current challenges. Share articles, host discussions, and facilitate community meetings to raise awareness of the program's importance and potential reforms.
2. **Engage with Policymakers** - Write to your elected officials to express your support for Social Security and advocate for measures to ensure its long-term viability.
**Who to Write:** - **U.S. Senators**: Find your state's senators via the Senate website. - Example: Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) Email: https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact Mailing Address: 2400 John F. Kennedy Federal Building, 15 Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02203
- **U.S. Representatives**: Locate your representative on the House of Representatives website. - Example: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) Email: https://ocasiocortez.house.gov/contact Mailing Address: 1238 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515
3. **Start or Sign Petitions** - Initiate or participate in petitions geared toward protecting Social Security from cuts and advocating for reform. - **Example Petitions**: - **Social Security Works**: They often have campaigns you can join. Check their website for current petitions: [Social Security Works](https://socialsecurityworks.org)
4. **Participate in Advocacy Groups** - Join organizations that focus on protecting and strengthening Social Security. - **Example Organizations**: - **National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare**: They often have campaigns, resources, and actions you can engage in. Visit: [NCPSSM](https://www.ncpssm.org)
5. **Utilize Social Media Platforms** - Use your social media accounts to spread awareness about Social Security's issues, share informative content, and encourage others to take action. Use hashtags like #ProtectSocialSecurity to join broader conversations.
6. **Organize Community Events** - Host town halls, forums, or workshops to discuss the future of Social Security in your community. Invite local leaders, financial experts, and advocacy groups to participate.
7. **Connect with Local Media** - Write letters to the editor in your local newspapers advocating for the protection of Social Security. Share personal stories about how Social Security has impacted your life or the lives of those in your community.
8. **Contact Local and State Representatives** - In addition to federal representatives, reach out to local and state officials to emphasize the importance of Social Security at all levels of government.
**Example Local Official**: - City Council Members or State Assembly Members can be contacted via their official websites.
### What to Say in Your Communications
- **Subject Line**: “Protect and Reform Social Security for Future Generations” - **Message Body**: - Introduce yourself and your connection to the issue. - Express the importance of Social Security as a safety net for millions of Americans. - Share specific statistics or facts from the article that highlight the urgency of reform. - Request that they support policies aimed at preserving and strengthening Social Security, including potential revenue increases or reform measures. - Encourage transparency and public discussions about the future of the program.
### Conclusion
Taking action to support Social Security is critical to ensuring its sustainability for future generations. By educating ourselves, engaging with policymakers, and advocating through multiple channels, we can collectively work toward preserving this essential program. Your voice matters, and these steps can help amplify the demand for necessary reforms and protections.