By Don Terry & Mary Jones | Friday, March 21, 2025 | 4 min read
Elon Musk’s recent statements about Social Security have caused quite a stir, particularly among Republican lawmakers. Many are now urging him to step back from the issue and shift his attention to other priorities. Musk’s description of Social Security as a “Ponzi scheme,” coupled with his suggestion to cut as much as 12% of the Social Security Administration’s workforce, has sparked intense backlash. This controversy has led some to coin the term “Teslaburn” for the GOP—a nod to the protests where Tesla vehicles have been set on fire, symbolizing the fiery criticism Musk has faced over his remarks and his push to reduce government jobs. The situation has become a political headache for Republicans, highlighting the divisive nature of Musk’s comments.
Senate Republicans are particularly wary of the issue, as Social Security reform is often referred to as the “third rail” of politics—touch it, and you risk getting burned at the polls. They fear that cutting staff and closing field offices could backfire, making it harder for constituents to resolve issues related to their benefits and ultimately fueling public frustration.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) expressed her concerns, noting that Musk’s wealth insulates him from worrying about whether Social Security benefits will be there for him. “It worries Americans all over the country,” she said, referring to those who depend on Social Security for their daily needs. “This is why Social Security has been viewed as untouchable from a political perspective.”
Musk’s remarks, made during a three-hour interview with Joe Rogan, where he called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” have only heightened anxieties. He also claimed, without evidence, that undocumented immigrants are fraudulently benefiting from Social Security and Medicare, accusing Democrats of using these programs to attract voters. “By using entitlements fraud, the Democrats have been able to attract and retain vast numbers of illegal immigrants,” Musk said on Senator Ted Cruz’s podcast.
Several Republican senators have privately expressed frustration with Musk’s rhetoric, urging him to steer clear of the topic. One anonymous senator remarked, “He should zip it on that. It’s not helpful. It plays right into Democrats’ hands.” The senator added that while addressing fraud in the system might be acceptable, questioning the foundation of Social Security is politically damaging.
Ross K. Baker, a political science professor at Rutgers University, noted that Musk’s comments are becoming a liability for Republicans. “Going after Social Security is really poking a stick into a hornet’s nest,” he said. “The irony of a person of such immense wealth targeting a program that provides modest benefits to ordinary people is striking.”
Musk’s statements have also given Senate Democrats ammunition. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) seized on the comments, accusing Republicans of aiming to dismantle Social Security and Medicare. “Elon Musk is saying it plainly: Republicans’ big goal is to ‘eliminate’ Social Security and Medicare benefits,” Schumer said on the Senate floor. The White House quickly responded, issuing a statement reaffirming that the Trump administration would not cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits.
Meanwhile, the Social Security Administration has announced new measures that will require millions of recipients and applicants to visit field offices in person rather than resolving issues over the phone. This comes as dozens of field offices are set to close as part of broader efforts to reduce the federal government’s footprint.
A second Republican senator, who also spoke anonymously, warned that cutting staff and field offices would negatively impact beneficiaries, particularly seniors. “This Congress—Republicans and Democrats—is not going to modify Social Security. It’s not going away,” the senator said. “Elon Musk is talking for Elon Musk, not for people in Congress who have something to do with the future of Social Security.”
Despite the growing backlash, Musk shows no signs of backing down. His blunt approach to budget cuts has caused unease both on Capitol Hill and among constituents. As Senator Murkowski pointed out, the Social Security Administration is already struggling to meet demand, especially in remote states like Alaska, where there’s only one field office. “When you suggest reducing the number of folks answering call lines or responding to congressional offices, I can tell you it’s not going to go over well,” she warned.
In the end, while some Republicans acknowledge the need to evaluate government efficiency, they argue that Musk’s aggressive tactics are counterproductive. “What needs to take place is analysis of the task, the mission, the goals, and the outcomes,” one senator said. “In some instances, it may mean more employees, and in others, fewer. But it has to be done thoughtfully, not recklessly.”
For now, Musk’s comments continue to stir controversy, leaving Republicans to navigate the fallout as they try to distance themselves from his polarizing rhetoric.
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