Trump & OMB Director Russell Vought (aka “The Reaper”)
The Trump administration is escalating its attacks on Social Security. As reported by the Washington Post, a proposed new rule would strip disability benefits from hundreds of thousands of older Americans who are unable to work.
White House officials reportedly are planning to completely rewrite the criteria for determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Proposed changes would weaken or even eliminate age as a key factor in disability determinations. Advocates warn that this could deny benefits to nearly one million Americans over the next decade.
As it is, older Americans face an uphill battle in applying for SSDI benefits, and are often unable to find appropriate work. Currently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a worker’s age, education, and work experience when determining if their disability prevents them from finding new work. Under the Trump plan, age would no longer carry the same weight.
For millions of older Americans with disabilities, these benefits are a lifeline. If age is removed as a consideration, many could be forced into premature retirement at 62, receiving 30% less in Social Security benefits for the rest of their lives.
“SSA’s proposed changes could reduce disability benefit eligibility for hundreds of thousands of Americans, particularly older workers. Policymakers, advocates, and researchers should understand the implications for income support, health coverage, and retirement decisions.” – Jack Smalligan, Urban Institute
The prime mover in rewriting SSDI eligibility rules is Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and main author of the notorious Project 2025 blueprint for radically reconfiguring the federal government. The White House shared a disturbing AI video depicting Vought as “The Reaper”. In the video, the OMB director is dressed as the infamous character, cavorting around Washington and wielding a scythe.
The architect of the miserly SSDI rules is portrayed as The Reaper in a disturbing AI video shared by Trump
The Trump administration’s ultimate goal is clear: shrink or privatize federal programs that the most vulnerable members of our society rely upon, including Social Security. Congressional Democrats are appalled by the rewriting of SSDI rules.
“Donald Trump is plotting to cut Social Security benefits for older Americans — after he promised during the campaign that he wouldn’t touch Social Security. We must call it out and stop these cuts.” – Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on X
Trump may claim to support Social Security, but his record tells a different story. Reckless and misguided decisions emanating from the White House and DOGE have led to trauma and chaos at SSA, even as Social Security claims surge as a result of public panic about the program.
Every time the Trump administration talks about “modernizing” or “reforming” Social Security, older Americans end up paying the price. Rather than believe these vague and untrue claims, look no further than the video of Vought as the Grim Reaper — and Trump’s claims that Social Security will die “very shortly”.
As we know, elections have consequences. In 2024, we warned against the dangers of a second Trump administration using Vought’s Project 2025 as its playbook. As Rep. John Larson (D-RI) said in response to Trump’s manipulation of SSDI rules: “Whether it is health care, food assistance, or Social Security, Donald Trump’s mission is the same: cut benefits for working people and hand the ‘savings’ to billionaires on Wall Street. Democrats will not let that happen. We will fight tooth and nail to protect the basic support Americans have earned.”
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Listen to our podcast interview with former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley… on the havoc that Trump/DOGE are wreaking at SSA here.
Also— we spoke with SSA whistleblower Laura Haltzel for an insiders’ take on Trump/DOGE interference in Social Security here.
Don’t forget to watch our new historical documentary, “Social Security: 90 Years Strong.”