WASHINGTON – R-Utah Sen. John Curtis said on Sunday that he was “not honest” when he said politicians wouldn’t touch social security.
His comments came when President Donald Trump said his administration was “not touching” and city hall attendees have expressed concern about potential social security cuts. Elon Musk, who led efforts to cut spending by the government’s Efficiency Bureau, criticised Social Security voicefully, spurring concerns from several Trump allies.
“When we look in the eyes and say we don’t touch it, we’re not honest. If we don’t touch it, we touch it ourselves,” Curtis told “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker. “Do you know that? It’s not honest with the American people. I think that’s one of the things they don’t trust us.
Curtis said the government “doesn’t have to affect people in Social Security,” but instead they could have a conversation about what social security looks like for younger generations, who are far from retirement, such as those 20 and 30.
“We’re all retired people, people close to retirement, we won’t touch it, you’re safe. But I don’t think my kids will get it, so let’s have that conversation,” he said. “So why can’t we talk to them about moving some of the variables, and the faster we do it, the less dramatic it is.”
“If we don’t do that, we’re making even worse decisions for us,” he added.
Curtis said he plans to introduce changes to Social Security in the next few months. A senator spokesman declined to preview the bill.
Social Security, including retirement and disability benefits programs, is known as the “third railroad” of politics. In other words, it is considered uncontrollable due to its widespread popularity.
According to NBC Affiliate KSL in Salt Lake City, Curtis previously wanted to reform social security, so last year he told then-GOP Senator “we will use me as the tip of the spear.”
Republicans frequently expressed concerns about the federal deficit, making government cost cuts central to the Second Trump administration. As part of these efforts, Doge has now closed several social security offices and changed telephone services.
When asked about Musk’s involvement in federal programs, contracts and decisions to cut federal workforce, Curtis said it was a “false story” in which someone could not engage with the government.
“President Trump can talk to the people he wants to do,” Curtis said. “Elon Musk hasn’t made a cut. He’s just proposing a cut, and then President Trump hasn’t made a cut.”
An NBC News poll shows that 46% of registered voters believe creating Doge is a “good idea”, while 47% hold Doge’s negative views and 51% hold Musk’s negative views.
Curtis was also asked in a News Nation interview about comments from Trump’s ally Steve Bannon that he thinks Trump will run for a second term and win.
“I wouldn’t support George Washington’s third term,” Curtis said.
The Trump administration is in a courtroom fight over deportation under the rarely called alien enemy law. The judge had instructed government lawyers to instruct clients to spin the planes involved in deportation under the law, but it was revealed that the plane later landed in El Salvador. Questions about the timing of flights and the administration’s responses to judges are central to the famous court battle.
When asked about the legality of the Trump administration’s actions, Curtis noted that he is not a lawyer and added, “Let’s play this.”
“I think that’s the beauty of the courts. I’m confident that it will unfold, so we’ll get to the right answer,” he said.
