Elon Musk's Claims of Social Security Fraud Face Scrutiny
Musk alleges massive discrepancies in Social Security data, but experts and audits suggest errors are largely due to outdated systems and incomplete records.
- Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), claims the Social Security Administration (SSA) has millions of fraudulent beneficiaries, including individuals allegedly over 120 years old.
- Experts attribute these discrepancies to outdated COBOL programming and incomplete death records, not deliberate fraud, as Musk suggested.
- The SSA's own data indicates 66 million beneficiaries, far fewer than Musk's claim of 394 million, which includes inactive and non-beneficiary Social Security numbers.
- Musk's allegations have led to the resignation of SSA's interim commissioner, Michelle King, after mounting pressure from the Doge initiative.
- Critics, including former SSA officials, argue Musk's claims are exaggerated and lack substantial evidence, highlighting longstanding systemic issues rather than fraud.
Libération 
L'Express 
Sud Ouest 
Le Point 
Le Figaro 
Courrier International 