Elon Musk's recent tenure in government has prominently featured his focus on Social Security. He has appointed a close adviser to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and has made claims about widespread fraud within the program. Musk has characterized Social Security as a "giant magnet" that attracts illegal immigrants to the United States, linking it to his belief that Democrats are manipulating immigration for electoral advantage.
Reports indicate that Musk is influencing significant changes at the SSA, intertwining his rhetoric with policy. The SSA is reportedly placing certain immigrants on its list of deceased individuals, effectively cutting them off from essential financial services in an attempt to encourage their departure from the country.
According to sources, the targeted migrants are not receiving substantial government benefits, including Social Security. The initiative appears to be less about reducing costs and more about involving the SSA in immigration enforcement, raising concerns among current and former agency employees.
The SSA maintains a "death master file" to prevent identity fraud, adding approximately three million names each year. The Department of Homeland Security has begun sending names of certain migrants to the SSA to be added to this list, potentially complicating their lives to prompt self-deportation. This list is now being referred to as the "ineligible master file."
Initial memos outlined two categories of individuals added to this list: suspected terrorists and convicted criminals. Approximately 6,300 individuals who had been granted temporary entry and Social Security numbers have had their statuses revoked and added to this list. Officials have indicated that this effort could expand to include other unauthorized individuals.
Despite Musk's assertions that illegal immigrants are drawn to the U.S. for Social Security benefits, evidence suggests otherwise. Immigrants typically contribute to the Social Security system without receiving benefits. A recent White House report indicated that only about 1,000 of the 6,300 individuals listed received minimal federal benefits, none of which were Social Security.
In a separate context, the Trump administration is exploring cost-cutting measures in Medicaid, particularly concerning skin substitutes, which have seen a dramatic rise in Medicare reimbursement. The administration has delayed implementing a Biden-era plan aimed at restricting coverage for unproven products, instead allowing questionable items to remain eligible for reimbursement.
Additionally, Musk has expressed support for Ed Martin, a Trump ally nominated as U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C. Martin has defended Musk's actions and has threatened legal action against those hindering Musk's initiatives. Musk's advocacy for Martin's confirmation has raised concerns among Senate Democrats.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Musk claimed that DOGE could potentially cut $150 billion from the federal budget in a single year, with a broader goal of achieving $1 trillion in cuts.