Amo Calls Out Musk-Trump Attacks on Social Security

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) denounced Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s lies about Social Security that are setting the stage to gut access to this earned benefit for seniors. Amo joined Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) and Al Green (TX-09) in calling on the Trump administration to protect phone lines and call assistance at the Social Security Administration. The letter, which was signed by 62 House Democrats, is in response to news reports that Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is considering eliminating phone service and force Americans to apply for Social Security in person. For elderly, disabled, or other Social Security recipients who lack transportation or technology options, this decision would impose major burdens on their ability to access benefits.

“Elon Musk and his so-called efficiency department continue to show that they do not care about seniors. It defies logic to eliminate phone operators, shut down field offices, and then require Americans to apply for Social Security in-person. These short-sighted plans only hurt seniors who deserve their earned benefits,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “I am proud to link arms with my Democratic colleagues to fight back against this backdoor attempt by Republicans to gut Social Security.” 

“We strongly urge you to consider the individuals who may be harmed, as eliminating or reducing phone services would create unnecessary barriers for the most vulnerable populations, at a time when they already face so many challenges. Social Security benefits are earned entitlements that individuals contribute to throughout their entire working lives, and every American deserves the opportunity to access those benefits in a way that is accessible and equitable,” said the lawmakers in the letter.

To read the full letter click HERE.

BACKGROUND

Phone-based claims at the Social Security Administration account for about 40 percent of all claims processed. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the agency received nearly 80 million calls to its 1-800 number, which Americans use for claims processing, direct-deposit transactions, updates to personal information, answers to their questions, and more. According to recent reports, Trump, Musk, and their hand-picked Acting Commissioner are discussing closing field and hearing offices along with placing new burdens on accessing benefits for seniors.

Since being sworn in, Congressman Amo has been a champion on Social Security and senior issues. On May 15, 2024, Congressman Amo spoke on the House floor to denounce Republican plans to eviscerate Social Security benefits for 257 million people, or 3 in 4 Americans.

On June 17, 2024, Amo welcomed Committee on Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John Larson to East Providence Senior Center to discuss the landmark Social Security 2100 Act (H.R.4583) which would protect and expand essential earned Social Security benefits for millions of Americans across the country.

On November 12, 2024, Amo voted for H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act to repeal penalties that robbed public service employees of their earned benefits.

In Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, there are 113,005 Social Security recipients who receive $201 million in monthly benefits. This total includes:

• 83,829 retirees
• 6,732 children
• 1,875 spouses
• 15,723 disabled workers

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