On August 14, 2025, President Donald Trump made a stunning claim during an Oval Office address marking the 90th anniversary of Social Security, stating that 12.4 million names in the Social Security database were listed as over 120 years old, with 135,000 allegedly over 160, some receiving payments. He suggested widespread fraud, asserting his administration removed these names to strengthen the system. Trump also touted removing 275,000 illegal immigrants from Social Security, claiming many had left the country but still received checks.
The Social Security Administration, under Commissioner Frank Bisignano, has not independently verified these figures. Experts question the 12.4 million claim, noting the oldest verified person lived to 122, making such a number implausible. The Center for Immigration Studies confirms 246,000 deportations this year, but data on Social Security fraud is less clear. Improper payments to deceased individuals are a known issue, though typically in the thousands, not millions. Critics argue Trump’s figures may stem from misinterpretations of outdated records or data errors.
Democrats, including Rep. Jamie Raskin, called the claims exaggerated, warning they sow distrust in Social Security, which serves 70 million Americans. The program faces a projected 2035 insolvency, and some fear such rhetoric distracts from needed reforms. Supporters, however, praise Trump’s focus on rooting out fraud, citing his administration’s efforts to cut wait times and backlogs. The debate underscores tensions over Social Security’s future as legal and fiscal challenges mount.
