WASHINGTON — Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, said on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” Sunday that politicians are “not being honest” when they say they won’t touch Social Security.
His comments come as President Donald Trump has said his administration was “not touching” Social Security and town hall attendees have expressed concerns about potential Social Security cuts. Elon Musk, who has spearheaded Department of Government Efficiency efforts to cut spending, has vocally criticized Social Security, prompting concerns from some Trump allies.
“We’re not being honest when we look people in the eye and say we’re not going to touch it. If we don’t touch it, it touches itself,” Curtis told “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker. “You know that, right? That’s not being honest with the American people, and I think that’s one of the things that makes them not trust us, when we say something that they just know is not true.”
Curtis said the government does not “need to impact the people that are in Social Security,” but instead can have a conversation about what Social Security looks like for younger generations that are further away from retirement, like 20- and 30-year-olds.
“We all need to say, those in retirement and those near retirement, we’re not going to touch it, you’re safe. But let’s have that conversation, because my kids don’t think they’re going to get it,” he said. “So why can’t we have a conversation with them about moving some of the variables around, and the sooner we do it, the less dramatic it has to be.”
“If we don’t do it, we have worse decisions thrust upon us,” he added.
Curtis said he plans to introduce a change to Social Security in a few months. A spokesperson for the senator declined to preview the bill.
Social Security, which includes retirement and disability benefit programs, has been referred to as the “third rail” of politics, meaning it is considered untouchable because of its widespread popularity.
Republicans have frequently voiced concerns about the federal deficit and made government cost-cutting a centerpiece of the second Trump administration. As part of these efforts, DOGE has moved to close some Social Security offices and alter telephone services.
Curtis has previously been vocal about wanting to reform Social Security, saying last year that he told then-prospective GOP Senate leaders to “use me as your tip of the spear” in discussions on Social Security reform, according to Utah outlet KSL.com.
