During his address to Congress, President Donald Trump highlighted concerns about the nation's Social Security program, emphasizing what he described as "shocking levels of incompetence and probable fraud." He referenced government databases that allegedly listed millions of recipients over 100 years old, including some reportedly over 360 years old. This revelation has sparked an investigation into the integrity of the Social Security system. Additionally, billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claimed a preliminary review found evidence of benefits being paid to individuals supposedly over 150 years old. The SSA has since capped clawbacks at 10% of benefit checks to mitigate financial harm.

Addressing Inefficiencies in Social Security

President Trump's speech addressed significant issues within the Social Security Administration, particularly focusing on the discrepancies in age records. He noted that the system was paying benefits to individuals listed as extraordinarily old, which raises questions about the accuracy and efficiency of the program. Trump emphasized the need for thorough investigations and reforms to ensure the sustainability and fairness of Social Security.

The president pointed out that the government databases contained millions of records of Social Security recipients over 100 years old, with some entries suggesting ages far beyond human lifespan. This situation not only highlights potential inaccuracies but also underscores the importance of safeguarding taxpayer dollars. Trump quipped about the implications, indicating that such anomalies could imply a healthier country than anticipated. His remarks drew attention to the broader issue of systemic inefficiencies that could harm both the program and the nation. The administration is now investigating these shocking levels of incompetence and probable fraud to restore public trust in the Social Security system.

Elon Musk’s DOGE Initiative and Treasury Safeguards

Billionaire Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been instrumental in uncovering potential irregularities in the Social Security program. Musk's preliminary review suggested that the safety net program might be paying benefits to individuals over 150 years old, based on database records. This finding has prompted a closer examination of the system's integrity and efficiency. The Treasury Department has ensured that DOGE will have read-only access to payment systems, underscoring the commitment to maintaining system security.

Musk presented a spreadsheet from the Social Security database showing over 17 million records of people over 100 years old with no death field set to true. This data suggests a significant discrepancy in the records, raising concerns about the accuracy of the information used to distribute benefits. The Department of Government Efficiency aims to eliminate $2 trillion in wasteful government spending, and this review is part of its broader mission. The Treasury Department official assured Congress that while DOGE would have access to internal systems, it would be limited to read-only status to protect the payment infrastructure. Previous reviews by the SSA and its inspector general have identified similar issues, with 6.5 million number holders aged 112 or older without death information. Payments were issued to 266 of these individuals, though only 13 were likely that old, highlighting the need for accurate record-keeping and stringent verification processes.