Social Security
Why did the top official at the Social Security Administration resign?
The top official at the Social Security Administration resigned after DOGE employees attempted unauthorized access to sensitive personnel data. This confidential information included bank account details, Social Security numbers, and medical information of individuals who had applied for disability benefits, affecting millions of Americans. The official oversaw the system responsible for disbursing Social Security payments to approximately 70 million Americans. The breach attempt targeted highly sensitive personal and financial information, which ultimately led to the official's resignation from their position.
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NBC News
00:15 - 01:02
What is the White House's rationale for recent high-profile personnel changes at agencies like the FDA and Social Security Administration?
The Trump administration is seeking to fill administrative roles with individuals who clearly align with their agenda. White House officials repeatedly emphasize their goal to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in government agencies. In the case of the Social Security Administration, they've suggested they suspect tens of millions of individuals are inappropriately receiving funds despite being deceased, though no evidence has been presented for these claims. The White House has empowered Elon Musk and his team to identify inefficiencies within federal agencies. While previous administrations have claimed they would eliminate government waste, the current administration insists they will actually follow through and prove it, despite the lack of transparency and specific evidence provided so far.
Watch clip answer (01:42m)NBC News
01:28 - 03:10
What do Trump's new executive orders focus on?
President Trump's executive orders focus on two key areas: expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and implementing 'radical transparency' in government agencies. The IVF order aims to improve affordability and accessibility of fertility treatments. The transparency initiative puts information from the Department of Government Efficiency online, allowing the public to see where potential government savings have been identified. This is part of Trump's effort to address government inefficiency by making data on possible cost-saving measures publicly available.
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CBS News
26:21 - 28:30
What was Donald Trump's reaction to the number of people over 100 years old in Social Security data?
According to the transcript, Donald Trump expressed surprise at the number of centenarians in Social Security data, exclaiming "Wow, that's a lot." He acknowledged the significance of these figures, noting they represent people over 100 years old. The description indicates Trump discussed broader implications of these demographics, including populations reaching beyond 150 years and potential impacts on benefits distribution. His reaction suggests these statistics revealed unexpected demographic trends that could have important consequences for social programs and society at large.
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NBC News
00:59 - 01:02
How many people aged 90 to 99 receive Social Security benefits according to Trump?
According to former President Donald Trump's statement, there are 6,054,000 people between the ages of 90 and 99 who receive Social Security benefits. This significant figure highlights the substantial number of elderly Americans who rely on this social welfare program in their advanced years. Trump appeared to express some surprise at this statistic, suggesting it represents a noteworthy demographic insight about Social Security recipients in the United States.
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NBC News
00:39 - 00:46
What happened to the head of Social Security and why?
According to Donald Trump, the head of Social Security (Michelle King) reportedly resigned, though Trump suggests she was likely fired due to concerning statistical discrepancies. He notes that when people are fired, they often claim they resigned to save face. Trump raises significant concerns about potential fraud in Social Security, questioning how many people improperly received payments. He emphasizes that if people were incorrectly receiving Social Security benefits, it would constitute massive fraud requiring thorough investigation. The leadership change appears connected to these accountability issues within the Social Security Administration.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)
Al Jazeera English
22:12 - 22:53