EXCLUSIVE: Trump touts ‘zero tax’ benefits for majority of seniors on social security’s 90th anniversary

On August 14, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act. He praised his administration’s efforts, claiming the program is now “stronger and more resilient than ever,” highlighting advances in customer service, technology, and security.

Trump stated that under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the “vast majority” of seniors would pay “zero tax” on Social Security benefits. The bill offers a temporary \$6,000 tax deduction for individuals earning up to \$75,000 annually, or \$12,000 for couples earning up to \$150,000.

While this measure offers notable tax relief, it does not completely remove taxes on benefits. Experts note that only about half of Social Security recipients qualify for the deduction, making Trump’s claim somewhat exaggerated.

The administration also reported substantial improvements in Social Security’s customer service. Average phone wait times reportedly dropped from 30 minutes to 6 minutes, and disability claim backlogs fell by 26%.

These gains were linked to technology upgrades and efficiency measures. However, critics caution that staff cuts and office closures could hurt the agency’s long-term service capacity.

Trump further announced that about 275,000 undocumented immigrants were removed from the Social Security system as part of fraud prevention efforts. The SSA confirmed it updated records for those without legal status, though it is unclear if they were collecting benefits or simply contributing under false credentials.

In summary, while Trump’s policies have provided meaningful tax relief and improved service metrics, the “zero tax” claim overstates the benefit’s reach, and concerns remain about future service capabilities.