Elon Musk’s media frenzy draws criticism from Trump’s allies

Some of US President Donald Trump’s allies question whether Elon Musk should continue giving so many media interviews. 

Musk, who holds significant influence in his capacity to reduce government spending, has recently voiced criticisms of Social Security that seem to clash with President Trump’s commitment and are raising concerns within the president's own party, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Following his election, Trump made a clear promise that “we’re not touching Social Security,” aside from efforts to make the program more efficient. A White House official has sought to clarify the relationship between Elon Musk’s views on Social Security and President Trump’s policies, emphasising that Musk’s personal opinions do not influence the administration’s stance. 

Some Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about Musk’s criticism of Social Security. One lawmaker, who was unaware of the calls made to the White House, expressed concern that disparaging remarks about the program could damage its reputation. “It does need to be reformed,” the lawmaker said. “Without reforming Social Security and Medicare, both programs will collapse and take the government down with it. But the last thing we need to talk about is disparaging the system. It’s not a Ponzi scheme, it’s just an entitlement program that needs to be reformed.” 

The lawmaker also warned that Musk’s continued public comments could affect the political landscape. “The more of these Musk interviews, the more discussion we’ll have. I think the entire 2026 campaign will be a referendum on Musk,” the lawmaker noted, adding, “You will see ad after ad with the chainsaw.” Musk and his US DOGE Service have previously targeted several federal agencies, including the US Agency for International Development and the Department of Education. However, Social Security represents a more politically sensitive target. 

Known as the "third rail" of American politics, the program has now come under scrutiny due to Musk’s efforts to downsize, such as closing Social Security offices and limiting telephone services. These actions have drawn criticism, even from Republicans, while Democrats are seizing on the issue in their political messaging. “Social Security is the most successful government program in American history,” said Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., the top Democrat on the Budget Committee. “It’s an earned benefit that people paid into over their entire lives. If Elon and Trump go after it, I promise you this will be their undoing.” 

A recent poll conducted by the Democratic firm Blueprint found that the four most “concerning” messages about Musk, according to registered voters, were all related to Social Security. The top concerns involved Musk’s proposals to fire Social Security Administration employees and dismantle phone services. By contrast, voters were less concerned with issues related to Musk’s personal life, such as his relationships and children. Despite Musk’s influence and proximity to the administration, experts close to the White House have stressed that Trump remains committed to maintaining Social Security benefits. 

Even among administration officials who may advocate for changes to the program, Trump’s directive not to cut benefits stands firm. “Even beyond the president, the White House itself has made crystal clear that they’re not touching Social Security,” said one former Trump White House official. Another former senior aide emphasized the importance of reinforcing Trump’s promise to protect Social Security.

“Given Musk’s prominent role, the administration needs to consistently remind voters that Trump’s promise not to cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits stands, and that Musk’s views are not the official policies of the Trump administration,” the aide said.

By Naila Huseynova