Trump: ‘Not Going to Touch’ Entitlement Programs
The President Donald Trump said Wednesday that his administration will “not touch” entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare. However, he didn’t exclude the possibility that spending reductions could be achieved by rooting out waste and fraud in these programs.
CNN reports that Trump stated, “We will look for fraud,” during the first Cabinet meeting of his second Administration. “I am sure you are okay with that.”
He also referred to reports alleging “illegal aliens and criminals” were collecting Social Security payments, and “people who are 200 years old are receiving checks.”
His promise comes after House Republicans approved their budget blueprint which includes plans to cut $880 Billion over the next ten years from federal health and energy programs.
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CNN reports that many experts have said that the deep cuts that are needed cannot be achieved without reducing entitlement programs. There is also no evidence to suggest that rooting fraud will bring back the billions in funds sought.
Trump has repeatedly promised not to touch entitlement programs. Last summer, when he ran for the White House, he promised to stop taxing Social Security benefits.
Ronald Reagan, then President of the United States, signed the Social Security Tax into law in 1983 with the intent to strengthen the trust fund for the program.
Taxes can be levied on up to 50% of Social Security benefits if the recipient’s income falls within a range of $25,000 to $34,000. If their income exceeds $34,000 they may be subject to up to 85%.
The Republican Party platform, which was approved by Trump last summer, and written in part, prohibits any cuts to Social Security or Medicare, and does not allow for an increase in retirement age.
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