90 Years Of Social Security: Trump Highlights Fraud Crackdown, Efficiency Gains

President Donald Trump marked the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act on Thursday with a proclamation celebrating the program while pledging to eliminate fraud and restrict benefits to citizens only.

The proclamation, issued on August 14, commemorates President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of the landmark legislation on the same date in 1935.

Trump highlighted recent changes to Social Security under his administration.

“Following the passage of the historic One Big Beautiful Bill last month, the vast majority of seniors who receive Social Security will pay zero tax on their Social Security benefits — the largest tax break for seniors in the history of our country,” the proclamation states.

The President outlined efforts to combat program abuse. Trump’s administration is “stopping payments to the deceased and eliminating benefits for those who do not legally qualify,” measures Trump said would save billions annually.

The proclamation also emphasizes border security as a Social Security protection measure. Trump pledged to ensure “that Medicare and Social Security are preserved for the citizens who paid into them — not abused by illegal aliens who have no right to be here.”

Beyond fraud prevention, Trump promised improved efficiency at the Social Security Administration, citing reduced wait times and more effective payment delivery.

The proclamation describes Social Security as “rooted in a simple promise: those who gave their careers to building our Nation will always have the support, stability, and relief they deserve.”

Trump’s anniversary message comes as debates over Social Security’s future continue nationwide. The program faces long-term funding challenges as more Americans retire.