Lutnick: Only Fraudsters Complain About Missing Social Security Payments

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sparked controversy with remarks on the 'All-In' podcast, suggesting that elderly beneficiaries of Social Security would not complain if their checks were delayed, asserting that only 'fraudsters' would raise concerns. He cited his 94-year-old mother-in-law as an example of someone who would trust the system and expect to receive her payment eventually. Critics argue that such comments show a disconnect from the reality faced by many seniors who rely heavily on these payments for basic living expenses. Lutnick has defended his statements by suggesting that stopping payments temporarily could help identify fraud, but many see this as an insensitive approach to a critical issue affecting millions. Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have condemned his remarks, emphasizing the importance of Social Security for a significant portion of the elderly population. Lutnick's comments come amidst ongoing discussions about potential changes to entitlement programs under the Trump administration, which has pledged not to cut benefits for those who are entitled to them.