No tax on Social Security, increased tax refunds in 2026, and a targeted agenda to bring down the cost of living – those were the three themes that emerged from my interview with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt about President Donald Trump’s message to seniors heading into critical midterm elections next year. The senior vote is pivotal in any election, and Leavitt emphasized that President Trump is committed to delivering on the issues that matter most to older Americans.
“The first thing I can say is that, without a doubt, President Trump loves and adores our country’s seniors,” Leavitt said. “He understands perhaps more than any president in history how seniors are uniquely impacted by government policy. They’ve spent their entire lives working and paying into systems like Medicare and Social Security, and they deserve a government that is committed to serving them and ensuring they get the benefits they have earned.”
“This President also understands how important it is to older Americans that his administration does more to bring down the cost of living and put money back in people’s pockets,” Leavitt continued. “Not just for them, but for their children and grandchildren as well. When this administration sees older Americans, we see a group of people who are deeply committed to leaving this country a better place than they found it, and I can tell you that President Trump is absolutely committed to joining them in that mission. That is why he made such a huge sacrifice by leaving the business world to run for president in the first place.”
Leavitt also pointed to Trump’s policies, both on the campaign trail last year and since he took office in January, that are targeted at improving the lives of senior citizens. His “Agenda 47” platform notably included a pledge to “Fight for and protect Social Security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to the retirement age.”
Not only has Trump delivered on that promise, but he also has ensured that seniors keep more of their Social Security checks each year thanks to his “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which effectively eliminates taxes on Social Security income for virtually all recipients.
“President Trump worked incredibly hard to get this bill signed into law, and no tax on Social Security was a major, major priority for him,” Leavitt said. “We are encouraging seniors to make sure they file accordingly or ask a tax professional about the new provision, come filing season early next year. And when you get to keep more of the money you have earned in each Social Security check, you can thank President Trump for that.”
Just as important as putting money back in seniors’ pockets is making sure that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are protected from waste, fraud, and abuse – another priority of the Trump administration, and something Leavitt said should be a major issue in next year’s midterms.
“There’s been a tremendous amount of waste, fraud, and abuse in federal benefits programs that we have uncovered, including in Social Security,” she explained. “The Democrats and the corporate media are trying to portray what we are doing as cutting benefits or threatening benefits, but in reality it’s exactly the opposite.”
“Social Security and other welfare programs are headed for insolvency in less than a decade if something is not done, and a major problem is all the fraud. By stopping bad actors, we are protecting Social Security not only for today’s rightful beneficiaries, but also for Americans who are nearing retirement age. We are ending the massive theft that has been going on for decades. That’s another major win in the One Big Beautiful Bill that Democrats were so upset about – we finally went after the fraud.”
Leavitt also tied efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in other parts of the federal government to helping seniors. “Just look at how many billions of dollars were going out the door in foreign aid every year to totally corrupt left-wing organizations,” she said. “Every taxpayer dollar that’s going to transgender coloring books in Peru or LGBTQ plays in Ireland is a tax dollar that could be used to help seniors.”
“And I’m grateful that you’re covering this and finally shedding light on it,” Leavitt added. “Unfortunately, so many people in the mainstream media have actually been trying to cover up for the fraudsters. They’re doing a massive disservice to seniors not only by protecting the people who are robbing them, but also by spreading lies that are really dangerous.”
“The Democrats and the mainstream media want seniors to be fearful, and they will say whatever they can to scare them. They’ve been talking about Republicans ripping away retirement benefits for decades precisely because it’s been an effective tool. Our job now is to fight back against the fearmongering and explain how what we are doing is actually going to strengthen benefit programs and give seniors a better opportunity to live out their golden years with dignity.”
Ultimately, Leavitt said, President Trump’s message to seniors isn’t about political spin or some clever turn of phrase; it’s simply about working hard every day to deliver results and then letting the record speak for itself.
“What we’ve seen from this president throughout four years of his first term and now almost a year of his second is that he never stops working,” she said. “He’s truly the most energetic and determined person I have ever met. People think of Trump as a master communicator, and he is, but really it all starts with the results, which is why we always say, ‘promises made, promises kept.’ There is a lot of work left to do, but I think we already have a very strong case to make to all voters, but especially seniors, and that’s only going to become more apparent in the months ahead.”
Shane Harris is the Editor in Chief of AMAC Newsline. You can follow him on X @shaneharris513.
May God continue to give President Trump wisdom, strength and courage. God bless America.
Addendum to my earlier comment…part of the reason that the OBBB nixed much of President Trump’s agenda is that a liberal Senate parliamentarian had control over what the bill would/would not contain. WHY???? Nevertheless, I continue to thank Almighty God that Donald Trump is our President, and NOT that kackling communist!!! MAGA!!!
President Trump works for all the citizens of this country young to old. MSM forgets that because they are forbidden from publishing anything good that president Trump does. He has rescued 62,000 children from pedophiles and slave labor that Biden allowed to go on unchecked. Not one word from the left media. The robbing of Social Security and Foreign Aid went on also unchecked. His cronies were all sharing in the largesse. And their voters protected them by crucifying Elon Musk for the job he was doing with DOGE. They ruined the man’s business and Tesla owners as well. Just because the man was saving taxpayers money from going into the wrong pockets. President Trump understands that we seniors are living of the savings when our incomes were much lower and that those dollars with today’s Biden inflation aren’t worth not even close to what they were worth then. Most democrats forget about that. Their goal is to destroy America and its people. Total control over us is coming.
Now that he has helped seniors who are able to work while on social security. How about giving a boost to social security payments to those of us who are disabled and cannot work to supplement our income after being beaten to near death by Biden?
Thank you President Trump!
My key to a great president is that he [or maybe she later] LOVES America. This was true of Ronaldus Magnus and is true of Trump. Catering to foreigners or those who hate our country is pathetic. Think of Barry and Idiot Joe who were in it for power, money, or both! Both Bushes were just going with the flow. Thank you President Trump!!
So thankful for this President. Pray daily over him and his cabinet. I am a senior citizen who remembers President Regan saying “Stay the course” and think it applies even more so now. God bless President Trump and may God always bless America.
“Social Security and other Welfare Programs…” is not correct. This should not be a sentence. Social Security is not a Welfare Program. It is an investment that all American workers made while they took pride is doing a good job and earning a paycheck.
Absolutely true. Now if all the media outlets covered in this way!!!
The first President in my long life, that has ever “given” me anything. And often a gift I could have managed without. the first stimulus check we all got during the pandemic. I think he was the first to think of all who had no income. May he stay strong and serve his great legacy.
good coverage Shane! send it to CNN…
Can you imagine if Harris and Waltz were in office? Thank God President Trump is at the helm. We as seniors and as a country would have been ______. All of our wasted taxes. The corruption and wars would be never ending. We dodged a bullet. Vote red come midterms people. Let’s keep on winning.
Unfortunately, not all of us got no tax on social security as promised. Very disappointed!
Very good article Shane – the sentence that Karoline spoke ” Our job now is to fight back against the fear mongering and explain how what we are doing is actually going to strengthen benefit programs and give seniors a better opportunity to live out their golden years with dignity .” That idea is something that means a great deal , it brings hope and provides a solid foundation for those of us who still have plenty of good to contribute to this Nation – even though we are elderly. Getting old is something that requires some skill – personally I have learned how it is important to slow down ( being 75 ) as there just isn’t the sort of energy that there used to be. And this is my first experience with getting old – Never been old before – it is something new ! ( Just a bit of humor there – humor helps in many ways for sure ) Still read mathematics, physics, , biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and practice navigation, Big project at present is the history of the Mathematics of chart and map projections , ready to contribute ideas on that topic to any group involved in research with that topic. I do believe that Cartography is best understood when it’s history is appreciated.
Something else that benefits from historical research is Medical Illustration . Have practiced that for many years and must admit. I just was not able to develop the high level of skills needed to be a medical illustrator however it was no loss – always did research on whatever it was.l was drawing — mostly the eye, the ear, the brain and the heart – so that knowledge of the anatomy and physiology involved is very good to think about. Toolmaking since 1975 , do not have a shop at present but practice mechanical drawing on a regular basis . There is plenty to do .
First off the BBB does not eliminate taxes on social security and that COLA is more than eaten up with that new increase in Medicare that moved me from $202 to $404. That’s $202 for regular Medicare and $202 for the new increase based on your GROSS income which includes Social Security. And by the way if you file jointly your wife also goes t0 $404 – so that’s a monthly additional loss of $404 dollars. It’s the same old story, if you worked and saved and sacrificed to be able to live comfortable in your golden years the government will work hard to take money away from you to give to those who didn’t.
They have given all our medicare and social security to illegals and mussies. Freeloaders everyone.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
We have so much to gain from Trump’s efforts but he seems opposed at each turn. The silent majority must begin to speak up!
Did I miss something? I thought the OBBB left out “no taxes on SSI” which would have benefited me had it been included. Instead the bill gave credits to seniors of a minimum age, so I don’t qualify. Gee, thanks.
I am a senior on a fixed budget & my only income is social security. As per my tax man last year I do not have to file for taxes any more which means that I do not get any tax refunds. I am sure that I am not the only senior in this situation. That being said in one of your press conference’s earlier this week {Karoline Leavitt} you mentioned that there will be more money for tax filers during tax season. Since I am no longer required to file taxes as with other seniors, will we also be getting extra money sent to our bank account along with our social security. That only seems right. If we are left out that is wrong. Us seniors are already living below the poverty level. We need some answers now not later.
Thanks to the many comments about “and other welfare programs”, this statement would have escaped my notice. I heartily agree that this wording is vicious to seniors! I hope you, Shane will pass this loud sentiment back to whomever originated it! It is an earned benefit, otherwise, stop collecting for it!
My SS increase after increased Medicare and supplemental insurance leaves me 5.00 a month for all other expenses. It’s a pity full joke Mr. President. Lets see Donald Trump live on 1120.00 a month. Lets see him live on that for one week. Social Security is a supplemental income but it should be a minimum of 1600.00 after Medicare deductions. Anything under that is shajmeful especially since we’re supposed to be saving so much on fraud and immigrant benefits.
Social Security is NOT a Welfare program. We all paid hard earned money into this system! And this is a misnomer, this is NOT no tax on SS it is a credit which the next administration can reverse. Not so much keeping his promises!
It is Written in the Bible. that Says “God Talking” You will know them by their Fruits, meaning their Actions … “WATCH” the parties (DNC / RNC) and You’ll KNOW Who’s Striving to do The Right Thing by the American People and those Who simply Don’t Give a Damn … And when You have those that can Careless about What OUR US Constitution Says and are Wanting to “Rewrite” their Own Version, this is Where the Corruption is Found. Our Forefathers were Wise and Educated and they Knew that their Wisdom had limitations when it came to Governing a People and Wanted even a Greater Wisdom their Own, so they turned to the Greatest Wisdom Ever Known to Man which is God Almighty himself …
There is No Known Comparison to His Vast Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding when it came to Governing a People or a Nation, so that Camber of Political Educated
Men agreed upon using and implementing God’s Laws to Man and People. so, there would be No Mistaking “Wrong from Right” ” Good from Evil” when it came to abiding to the Laws of a Greater Intelligence, Wisdom and Understanding.
It was adopted as the Highest Degree of Perfection, when it came to Governing a People and a NATION and Dealing with Others outside of Our Borders.
Because Our God, the Very same God from those Known as The Chosen Ones, The Hebrews / Jewish Nation, which this God has been with and has led them as his Own
People ever since BC. We were Excluded as his People, were Known as the Heathens
of the World but because this God was Known to be Merciful and his People were being Naughty, he turned to Us and accepted Us also as His if We were willing to Listen to Him Follow his Commandments and Laws.
And when We heard about this All Knowing, Righteous, Holy, God that was about Peace. Love and Safety, that was filled with Eternal Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding and taught that We must be Orderly (Civilized) We the People, Accepted the Offer to become a part of his Family by attending Church and Worshipping him and thanking him for Protecting Us / Providing for Us / being our Supernatural and Protecting Father, Our God …
And Now this Present Day, You have SATAN and his MINIONS in Our Government and Our Nation, turning “Wrong into Right and Right into Wrong” allowing same Sex Marriages, Human Trafficking, Abortion of God’s Gift to Man, Stealing & Robbing Hugh amounts of the Peoples Money, Murdering those that Know Right from Wrong and wanting to Expose their terrible deeds, Constantly Lying and Deceiving the People, even having the People believe that We Serve Them, instead of Them Serving the People, they Continue to do Their Evil even in the Sight of Our God because they Love this World and Everything that it Offers instead of Loving Our God for all that they Have been Given, they Refuse to Acknowledge Him as God or as their Creator, the Very One that has Given them LIFE, They are Sealing their DOOM by their Rebellious and Disobedient Heart, which is filled with Darkness and Wickedness from being so Calloused and against Jehovah for most of their Lives..
They don’t know any longer how to Love because their Hearts only operate out of LUST, for the World and All it’s Pleasures and What they can Gain from all their Vast Wealth and Power and their Wield it as a Sword against those that are Powerless below them.
But Our God is abiding his Time, for ” Our God is a Righteous and Holy God of Order and Justice, for Justice is God’s alone and no Man shall Escape It.
These Puny Men of Dark Souls want to Rewrite Our US Constitution, to Fit into their Narrative, their Agenda, Go Ahead, We the People / Followers of Jehovah Our God Knows the Truth about You that Walk with Satan that “YOUR” Days are Numbered and
“YOUR” DOOM is Sealed … ” For OUR GOD is a RIGHTEOUS GOD, HE REINS FROM HEAVEN ABOVE”… TO GOD BE THE GLORY, IN JESUS NAME AMEN …
social Security is not a welfare program we have contributed our entire working lives!
This is a start.
Seniors that do not struggle financially must be excluded from SSI completely. This socialist program must be overhauled and given to those that truly need it.
That is the only way it survives.
Or to abbreviate this to as short a statement as possible, AARP has lied to it’s members on behalf of the Left about everything!
A lot of that is all well and good but I already saw the cost of living increase that will pay for the Medicare payment and the increase in costs of the Medicare supplement
so all of the people that can’t afford the higher prices we suffered through during Bidens reign and tariffs that increased costs of goods etc and do not have jobs due to age or medical will really not benefit greatly so if you want to rebate rebate but talk about it and the elderly get their hopes up then it’s only for the working military farmers so don’t forget the elderly they vote.
Thank you for the clarity, transparence, and truth.
God bless. Merry Christmas!
Gratefully in Christ our Hope
I noticed that my comment is posted as a reply to another message so I am reposting because it offers substance to the argument for more details”
The cumulative effect of this year’s COLA for someone whose gross social security monthly payment is $2000 is not 2.8%, but actually 1.3% because of the Medicare Part B premium increase of $30/mo. That is not nearly enough to help seniors living on Social Security. So, in the midst of discussing all the good things the Trump impact has done for seniors, especially those who are still capable of working for supplemental income, seniors unable to supplement their income are in WORSE shape – receiving a 1.3% increase while inflation sits at 3.0%.
A reasonable improvement could have been made by making the COLA on top of any incremental Part B premium increase.
Unfortunately the group of seniors I’ve described may likely to be staying home during mid-terms or voting for a Democrat who runs on a platform to improve such seniors. We’ve already seen Senator Warren’s suggestion of providing a $500/month (for 6 months) supplementary payment to seniors on social security; that would be an enormous help!
You are asking us to ‘believe’ but not providing specifics (details). Neither the Republicans nor the Democrats can continue to fly at the 50,000 ft (generalities) level and expect the support they are looking for. Give your constituencies substance (facts) to support your assertions and you may gain a bunch more understanding and support than you currently seem to expect we are capable to offer. Your ‘pundants’ are out of touch if you continue to treat us as you currently do and use excuses that the “masses” are ill informed…give us solid, verifible facts and details to support your 59,000 ft assertions.
Many rely on SS as their sole source of income. No tax on tips does nothing for me. No tax on SS does nothing for me. Wasting millions in foreign aid does nothing for me. What I need is more money in my SS check…where is my help!
What would really be helpful in the no tax on SSI would to not have the tax taken out at all! That would help me considerably more than paying the tax and then getting a $6k tax credit at the end of the year. We should get our SSI payments tax free and also not have to claim it as income. That would truly be the way to have no tax on SSI.
Ha! Nice spin. You will discover that you pay tax on SS. Meanwhile prices continue to increase and healthcare becomes more costly.
Well done !!
Google.com
Thank you , President Trump for all you do, if the Dems would stop fighting you so much maybe we could get something done, please don’t stop working for us, Jasmine and the rest are fools, they hate this country, I stand with you, President Trump and AMAC
god bless Larry arnn from Hillsdale loved his comment the Donald John Trump was a too 5 president that places with the founding fathers of the Great constitution. I very happy I voted Trump in the primary of 2015. Those who didn’t vote Trump very jealous that missed that opportunity & can’t fix it, some don’t know any better like a enpty peanut shell.