Right-wing media claimed Social Security would be protected under Trump — now people are struggling to access their benefits
In the first months of the Trump administration, right-wing media have claimed that Social Security would not be harmed, with some figures even suggesting it would be improved. However, the administration’s signature cuts have hit the Social Security Administration, leading to reports of delayed benefits and long hold times. As the Trump administration is putting even more pressure on SSA to cut costs, experts warn that more chaos at the agency could cause significant delays for seniors awaiting benefits, and that some may not receive their benefits at all.
Additionally, a series of operational changes ordered by the Trump administration at SSA — including staff reductions, closures at regional offices, and burdensome new security measures — have advocates worried for seniors and disabled people who rely on Social Security.
Related Knowledge Center: Information integrity
In an increasingly fractured media landscape, truth has been a casualty in the public discussion. Coverage has been warped by the business needs of struggling news organizations, and a significant segment of the public relies on bad-faith outlets that are little more than propagandists. While fact-checking has become routine, some organizations are exploring other ways to combat the trends. And misinformation spewed by AI-driven chatbots has become more of a feature than simply a bug.
Fact-checking and its detractors
Related Knowledge Center: Democracy and politics
News organizations are scrambling to find a coverage approach that adequately informs the American public about the country’s slide from democracy to authoritarian rule.