U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently offered a chilling glimpse into the Trump administration’s indifference to Social Security’s importance. “Let’s say Social Security didn’t send out their checks this month,” Lutnick said according to Axios. “My mother-in-law, who’s 94, she wouldn’t call and complain.”
Perhaps the commerce secretary’s mother-in-law wouldn’t call. But millions of other Americans would—and not just to complain. They would call because they couldn’t pay rent, buy food, or refill essential medications. Lutnick’s casual comment downplayed the gravity of a missed Social Security check.
The comment also exposed the distance between elites and others. Elites may not care if they miss a Social Security check, but for a typical Americans a missing check is a gut punch. Calls to the Social Security office would be pouring in. But no one may answer.
Lutnick’s remarks come during a time when the Social Security system faces record demand and historic strain. And the remarks come during a month of extreme alarm and confusion about the system. Elon Musk demeaned the system publicly, calling it “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” the New York Post reported. Field field offices are overrun, wait times are spiking, and staffing levels have been slashed by 12% since 2020, notes The Washington Post. The very system that ensures timely payments to 73 million Americans is being stomped on, and senior citizens and families are feeling anxious and worse.
Social Security Hasn’t Ever Missed A Check
To be clear, Trump and DOGE have not cut or delayed Social Security checks–yet. The Social Security Administration does not miss checks. In 80 years, it never missed payment.
When can Americans expect their checks? They aren’t all sent out on one day. The later in the month you were born, the later the checks. Payments are staggered based on recipients’ birthdays, with those born in the first 10 days of a month receiving their checks on the second Wednesday, and so on. Supplemental Security Income recipients, those most in need, are typically paid at the very first of the month.
Social Security Is Foundational
While Lutnick and others suggest that delays wouldn’t matter, the data tell another story. Social Security is the foundation of retirement security for most American seniors.
According to the Social Security Administration, nearly 90% of Americans over age 65 receive benefits, and those benefits make up an average of 31% of their income. But for many, the reliance is much deeper: 39% of older men and 44% of older women count on Social Security for more than half their income. Even more sobering, 12% of older men and 15% of older women rely on it for at least 90% of their income.
Older women, in particular, are at risk. They tend to earn less over their lifetimes, outlive their spouses, and have less saved for retirement. For them, Social Security is often not just the main source of income—it’s the only source.
What Happens If Social Security Checks Go Missing?
The Federal Reserve has been tracking American financial fragility for years, and the latest data show a stark reality: Only 63% of people say they could cover a $2,000 emergency expense. That’s the lowest level since the Fed began measuring feelings and anxiety about household finances and financial security.
Another Fed report shows that 68% could cover a $400 emergency with cash or savings, while 37% would need to borrow, sell something, or simply not pay. For millions of seniors, missing a Social Security check would be exactly that kind of emergency.
Meanwhile, benefits are under threat because the system will only bring in enough revenue to pay for about 77% of a monthly check in five years. Benefits are indirectly being cut because people can’t sign up and service is failing. The system is under strain because of threats from powerful officials. Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek suggested a possible agency shutdown due to budget cuts and staffing shortages.
Social Security Isn’t Broken; It’s Being Broken
What we’re witnessing is not just fiscal austerity. It’s a political, and perhaps, an ideological attack on one of the most successful social insurance programs in American history. Social Security isn’t broken. It’s being broken—through underfunding, mismanagement, and public messaging designed to erode confidence and support.
Lutnick may not worry about his mother-in-law. But millions of other Americans don’t have her privilege or security. They depend on that check not just for comfort, but for survival.
And they will notice if it doesn’t come. And they are protesting at the threat Social Security will be cut.
What Is To Be Done For Social Security?
Congress and the president should move fast to restore the Social Security system’s capacity before the damage becomes irreversible and creates a humanitarian crisis for families, neighborhoods, and to the intergenerational contract and promises we have made to each other.
Reverse Layoffs
The new commissioner of Social Security should reverse recent layoffs, including the dismissal of cybersecurity officers and thousands of experienced field representatives. Staffing cuts over the last ten years have gutted the agency’s ability to serve the public.
Cancel Office Closings
The commissioner must also cancel planned field office closures and expand call center staffing to reduce wait times and restore public trust. I am sure the payment system needs a thorough, professional overhaul, not an overly politicized reckless rush.
Build Trust And Fund The System
Trust in Social Security took generations to build. It can be lost in a month. The new commissioner, the Trump administration, and Congress have the responsibility to stop the attacks and start to rebuild what has been eroded in just a few short weeks. Rebuilding trust starts with rebuilding capacity.
There is a positive aspect in this four-week attack on the nation’s most trusted public institution. There is renewed and widespread appreciation for Social Security. Congress must rebuild trust, maintain and expand Social Security. Millions of lives depend on it.
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