Commerce Secretary Lutnick Under Fire for Social Security Comments -

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March 22, 2025, | Washington, D.C.:

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sparked controversy this week after suggesting that only “fraudsters” would complain about missing a Social Security check, while honest recipients, like his 94-year-old mother, would simply wait for the next one.

During an appearance on the All-In podcast, Lutnick claimed the best way to detect fraud was to halt payments and see who protests. “Whoever screams is the one stealing,” he said, arguing that elderly recipients trust the government.

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His comments drew sharp criticism from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who called him “out of touch.” Sanders responded on X: “Maybe your mother wouldn’t complain, but millions of seniors struggling to survive would. They’re not fraudsters. They earned it.”

More than 70 million Americans rely on Social Security, including seniors, people with disabilities, and survivors of deceased workers. Many depend on the benefits as their primary income source.

Lutnick, a billionaire and former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, echoed sentiments shared by Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, who recently called Social Security a “Ponzi scheme” on The Joe Rogan Experience. Musk has been leading efforts to cut government spending, raising concerns about potential safety net reductions.

The Trump administration has denied plans to cut Social Security, stating on its website, “President Trump Will Always Protect Social Security, Medicare.” However, recent policy changes now require beneficiaries to apply online or in person rather than by phone.

Critics warn these changes could make accessing benefits more difficult for vulnerable populations. The White House has not yet responded to inquiries about Lutnick’s remarks