More Older Americans Concerned About the Future of Social Security, AP-NORC Poll Finds

WASHINGTON – As Social Security undergoes significant changes under the Trump administration, older Americans are increasingly anxious about the future of the program, with a growing divide between political parties, a new poll reveals.

In an April survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 3 in 10 adults aged 60 and older expressed doubts about Social Security’s future. This is an increase from 2 in 10 in a similar poll conducted in 2023. While concerns are rising across the board, the shift in confidence varies greatly along partisan lines.

A Deepening Partisan Divide

Among older Americans, Democrats have shown the sharpest decline in confidence. Roughly half of older Democrats now say they are “not very” or “not at all” confident that Social Security will be there for them when they need it. This marks a significant shift from 2023, when only about 1 in 10 Democrats felt this way.

In contrast, confidence among older Republicans has grown significantly. Approximately 6 in 10 Republicans aged 60 or older are now “extremely” or “very” confident that Social Security will be available, a notable increase from just about one-quarter in 2023.

This growing partisan divide comes amid shifting political dynamics. Under the leadership of President Joe Biden in 2023, older Democrats had more trust in the program, but since the rise of the Trump administration and controversial changes to Social Security under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, that trust has eroded. Musk, who has criticized Social Security, even called it a “Ponzi scheme” in a podcast interview, which has contributed to fears surrounding the program.

Personal Reactions to Social Security’s Future

Dennis Riera, a 65-year-old Republican from Huntington Beach, California, shares his concerns: “It’s really a shame that something so many people have relied on for generations is being undermined.” As a security official who has not yet retired, Riera worries about his future and the potential erosion of a key social safety net.

However, not all Republicans share this view. Linda Seck, a 78-year-old retired nurse from Michigan, remains confident in Social Security’s future. “When I was in college, financial planners told us not to depend on Social Security, but here we are more than 50 years later, and it’s still going strong,” she said.

Democrats Rallying Behind Social Security

As the 2024 midterm elections approach, Social Security is becoming a focal point in the political debate. Voters, especially Democrats, are expressing outrage over cuts to the program and staffing reductions. President Biden has criticized Trump’s administration for “taking a hatchet” to Social Security, and many expect the issue to play a significant role in the upcoming elections.

Timothy Black, a 52-year-old Democrat from San Diego who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), is deeply concerned. “If anything happens to Social Security, it would really impact me,” Black said. He worries that cuts to SSDI could leave him unable to afford medical bills and face homelessness.

Looming Concerns Over Social Security’s Financial Stability

The future of Social Security remains uncertain, with the program on track to potentially run out of full benefits by 2035, according to the 2024 Social Security and Medicare trustees report. Once that date arrives, Social Security would only be able to pay about 83% of benefits, though it would not cease entirely.

Currently, over 72.5 million people—ranging from retirees to children—rely on Social Security benefits. Despite these looming concerns, older Americans remain more confident in Social Security than younger adults. Among those under 30, nearly half express doubt that Social Security will be available when they need it, with skepticism transcending party lines. Even younger Republicans, who typically show more trust in the program, remain uncertain.

Steven Peters, a 42-year-old independent from White House, Tennessee, says he’s long been aware of Social Security’s financial struggles. “I’m not confident at all that it’s going to be available,” Peters said. “I can’t say it’s related to the current administration, though.”

A Changing Leadership at Social Security

In the midst of these concerns, the Senate recently confirmed Frank Bisignano, a Wall Street veteran, as the new leader of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Bisignano was sworn in this week after a 53 to 47 vote. Many are watching closely to see how his leadership will influence the future of Social Security and whether it can overcome the financial challenges that lie ahead.

As more Americans express anxiety over the future of Social Security, the debate over its sustainability and political manipulation is likely to intensify in the coming months. With election season drawing near, Social Security remains a crucial topic for voters across the country.