日本語
한국어
Tiếng Việt
简体中文
A recent email from the Social Security Administration (SSA) praising President Trump’s new spending bill has ignited controversy, with critics labeling it as “blatant misinformation.” The email, which claims the bill eliminates federal taxes on Social Security benefits for most recipients, is under scrutiny for its accuracy and political tone.
The bill, dubbed the “one big, beautiful bill” by President Trump, includes provisions impacting healthcare, food assistance, clean energy, and the national debt. The SSA’s email highlighted a provision that purportedly “eliminates federal income taxes on Social Security benefits for most beneficiaries.”
SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano stated that nearly 90% of beneficiaries would no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, calling it a “historic step forward.” He added that the legislation “reaffirms President Trump’s promise to protect Social Security.”
However, experts argue that the bill does not eliminate federal taxes on Social Security. Instead, it offers a temporary tax deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals aged 65 and older, and $12,000 for married seniors. These deductions begin to phase out for those with incomes exceeding $75,000 and $150,000, respectively.
Former SSA officials have criticized the administration’s characterization of the bill. Kathleen Romig, a former senior advisor at the SSA, told CNN that the email “doesn’t sound like normal government communications…It sounds like partisan.”
Jeff Nesbit, a former SSA official under both Republican and Democratic administrations, condemned the email as a “blatant political statement.” Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey described the SSA’s claims as “a lie” and accused President Trump of “hijack[ing] a public institution to push blatant misinformation.”
The controversy raises questions about the SSA’s traditionally apolitical stance and the accuracy of information disseminated to Social Security beneficiaries.