Fact check: Trump wants to eliminate social security

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results

The claim that "Trump wants to eliminate social security" is not supported by available evidence. Trump has consistently stated his intention to protect Social Security, with his campaign platform explicitly promising to "FIGHT FOR AND PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE WITH NO CUTS." However, experts raise concerns about the indirect effects of his proposed policies on the program's long-term stability.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original statement omits several crucial pieces of context:

• Social Security is already facing significant financial challenges, with projected partial insolvency by 2033, regardless of any political actions
• Trump's proposed tax policies could reduce Social Security's revenue by $2.3 trillion over a decade
• Experts like Charles Blahous and Teresa Ghilarducci suggest Trump's approach might be "malign neglect" rather than active elimination - allowing the system to deteriorate without direct intervention
• The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) has specifically addressed such claims as misleading
• Simply addressing waste and fraud, as Trump suggests, won't solve the program's long-term funding issues

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The statement appears designed to create fear among Social Security recipients and voters. Democratic politicians and progressive advocacy groups benefit from portraying Trump as hostile to Social Security, as it helps mobilize older voters and working-class Americans who depend on the program. Conversely, Trump and the Republican National Committee benefit from promising to protect the program without addressing its fundamental funding challenges, as this appeals to their base while avoiding politically difficult decisions about tax increases or benefit reforms. The reality is more complex than either side typically presents - while there's no direct evidence of plans to eliminate the program, experts warn that certain policy proposals could indirectly threaten its long-term sustainability.