Trump is hurting Social Security with this policy on something else entirely

President Donald Trump has the potential to reduce funding for the Social Security trust fund significantly without needing to pass any new legislation. By curbing immigration to the United States and deporting individuals already residing here, the Trump administration could notably lessen the contributions to the earned benefits program in the coming years. This is due to many noncitizens paying Social Security taxes while not typically being eligible for benefits, effectively adding to the fund without drawing from it. A recent report highlighted the potential impact of Trump’s immigration policies on the earned benefits program, indicating a projected 11.4% annual increase in revenue shortfall if immigration rates fall below expectations. The Social Security trust fund is already forecasted to run out by 2035, necessitating benefit cuts to about 75% of the current levels or a tax increase to sustain payments. Ongoing deficits in fund contributions would accelerate this depletion timeline. While Trump and supporters may argue that escalating deportations, sometimes lacking due process, are justified to address immigration concerns, actions taken so far have been controversial. Rather than addressing the issue, the administration has spread misinformation about noncitizens receiving Social Security benefits illegally. Moreover, reports have revealed efforts to hinder migrants’ access to financial services by moving them to the “death master file,” now renamed the “ineligible master file.” For more updates and insights on Trump’s second term, subscribe to the Trump’s First 100 Days newsletter.