In a recent address, former President Donald Trump made several claims about Social Security fraud, alleging that millions of people over the age of 100 are receiving benefits and that widespread fraud is costing taxpayers billions. These statements have sparked significant debate and scrutiny. Here, we break down and fact-check Trump’s claims using verified information and expert analysis.
Claim 1: “Millions of people over the age of 100 are receiving Social Security benefits.”
Fact Check: False
Trump claimed that government databases list 4.7 million Social Security members aged 100 to 109, 3.6 million aged 110 to 119, and 3.7 million aged 120 to 129. He suggested that these individuals are actively receiving benefits, implying widespread fraud.
However, CBS News confirmed that Rhona Tarrant and her team investigated this claim and found no evidence to support it. Here’s why:
- Social Security Administration (SSA) Clarification: The SSA maintains databases of everyone who has ever received a Social Security number, but this does not mean they are currently receiving benefits. Many of these records include individuals who are deceased but lack a death certificate on file or those who were issued numbers decades ago without updated records.
- Payment Cutoff at 115: The SSA has systems in place to stop payments once a beneficiary reaches 115 years old. This makes it highly unlikely that individuals aged 120 or older are receiving benefits.
- Actual Numbers: According to a 2023 report by the SSA’s Office of Inspector General, only about 44,000 people over the age of 100 were receiving Social Security payments. This aligns with U.S. Census data, which estimates there are approximately 80,000 centenarians in the country.
- Fraud Rates: While fraud does exist, it accounts for only 1% of total Social Security payments between 2015 and 2022. This is a far cry from the “millions” Trump cited.
Claim 2: “The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, has uncovered hundreds of billions of dollars in fraud.”
Fact Check: Unverified and Misleading
Trump praised Elon Musk and his team at the Department of Government Efficiency for uncovering “hundreds of billions of dollars in fraud.” However, CBS News Confirmed found no evidence to support this claim.
- Lack of Transparency: The Department of Government Efficiency has not released any detailed reports or data to substantiate these findings. Without transparency, it is impossible to verify the scale of fraud allegedly uncovered.
- DOGE Website Claims: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) website lists contracts they claim to have cut, totaling less than $9 billion. Even within this figure, CBS News found numerous errors, such as contracts being counted multiple times or incorrect figures being cited.
- White House Response: When asked about these claims, the White House press secretary stated that some contracts were a “waste of taxpayer dollars” but did not confirm any instances of fraud.
Claim 3: “Social Security fraud is rampant and costing taxpayers billions.”
Fact Check: Overstated
While fraud within the Social Security system is a concern, Trump’s claim that it is “rampant” and costing “billions” is exaggerated. Here’s the reality:
