Story perspectives

Trump Warns Funding Crisis Threatens Social Security, Medicare

10/22/2025

Center

Trump Warns Funding Crisis

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that failure to approve funding could jeopardize Social Security and Medicare.
He criticized Democrats for resisting a funding bill that would cut health care provisions.
The government shutdown began on October 1 and disrupted services, affecting older Americans' health care and benefits.
Expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies could raise insurance costs, causing Doug Butchart and Nancy Murphy to fear they cannot afford coverage.

Left

Government Shutdown Delays COLA

The ongoing government shutdown delays the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment announcement, due October 15.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics cannot release September's Consumer Price Index data, which is crucial for calculating the COLA.
Analysts project a 2.7% COLA, translating to an average $54 increase in retirees' checks.
Shutdown disruptions prevent Social Security offices from issuing Medicare cards or updating earnings records, undermining stability for older Americans.

History

Historical Context

The Social Security Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935, established a federal safety net for older Americans amid the Great Depression. By 2021, around 65 million individuals depended on Social Security benefits, which have significantly reduced elder poverty. However, the current government shutdown threatens funding for these essential programs, risking financial strain on retirees and undermining decades of social welfare progress.

1 of 3

Trump Warns Funding Crisis

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that failure to approve funding could jeopardize Social Security and Medicare.
He criticized Democrats for resisting a funding bill that would cut health care provisions.
The government shutdown began on October 1 and disrupted services, affecting older Americans' health care and benefits.
Expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies could raise insurance costs, causing Doug Butchart and Nancy Murphy to fear they cannot afford coverage.

1 / 3