During a telephone town hall with U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, concerned callers raised questions about potential cuts to Social Security. One caller, a retired teacher and coach from West Michigan named Michael, shared his struggles with accessing benefits due to office closures and layoffs of federal workers proposed by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Huizenga reassured participants that Social Security would not be impacted.
Similar conversations have unfolded in Michigan and other parts of the U.S., as constituents express fears about potential cuts to Social Security, a popular program that provides monthly benefits to retirees and some children. Republicans have been working to alleviate concerns and downplay Musk’s comments about cutting Social Security. Meanwhile, Democrats are seizing the opportunity to highlight the unpopularity of such cuts.
At various town hall events, attendees have raised concerns about protecting Social Security benefits. While Trump has stated his commitment to not cutting Social Security, recent layoffs at the Social Security Administration and office closures have raised doubts. Musk’s comments labeling Social Security as a Ponzi scheme and a target for downsizing the federal government have added to the uncertainty.
Democrats view the potential cuts to Social Security as a rallying point against Trump, as polling shows that such cuts would be unpopular, even among his base. Calls to improve, rather than cut, critical government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security have been echoed by concerned citizens like Leslie Boyd in North Carolina. Boyd, age 72, hopes that elected officials like Rep. Chuck Edwards will stand up for these vital programs.
Savings, but relies on Social Security.
Boyd emphasized, “I’ve contributed to that throughout my entire career. I started working at 16, paid into it—it’s rightfully mine and I expect to receive it.”
When questioned about the program at a crowded meeting, Edwards initially mentioned President Trump’s stance before facing interruptions. He then shifted to express his own support for the program, stating, “I won’t support dismantling your Social Security. It’s a commitment made to hardworking Americans who have contributed all their lives and deserve the benefits.”
Despite continued interruptions from attendees urging him to confront Musk, Edwards reiterated his pledge to protect Social Security.
In a telephone town hall in his district in mid-Michigan, Barrett addressed the flood of concerns regarding DOGE, emphasizing that Musk serves as an adviser and that programs are currently paused for review. He reassured participants that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are not under consideration for cuts and that DOGE’s recommendations are separate from these essential programs.
Republican leaders warned against in-person town halls, alleging disruption by paid activists without providing evidence. Representative Lisa McClain, a strong Trump supporter, accused Democratic donors of orchestrating the disruptions.
Even in tightly controlled telephone town halls where questions are screened in advance, Social Security remained a primary concern. McClain reassured a caller worried about potential Medicaid cuts, emphasizing that there are no planned reductions to the program.
During a town hall with Huizenga, a caller expressed concerns about office closures potentially affecting beneficiaries’ access to essential services. She highlighted the importance of ensuring support for vulnerable individuals to prevent them from facing hardships.
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Associated Press writer Makiya Seminera contributed from Asheville, N.C.
