Trump government efficiency adviser Elon Musk called the alleged payments "the biggest fraud operation in human history."

The world's richest man argued that the retirement and disability benefit system poses a significant financial risk to America's future.

The schemes targeting contractors and state agencies diverted nearly $27 million from the federal health programs that have been a target for fraudsters.

Democrats argue that Elon Musk’s criticism of the program and push to squeeze savings from it is a prelude to benefit cuts. Republicans and President Trump say they plan no such thing.

As Elon Musk continues to slash the budgets of government agencies at the behest of President Donald Trump, Social Security appears to be in the billionaire’s crosshairs. During an appearance on comedian Joe Rogan’s podcast last week, Musk criticized Social Security benefits, which are received by an estimated 72.5 million Americans.

Elon Musk's role as an unofficial federal government overseer under President Donald Trump has raised concerns about how that role might impact the Social Security Administration (SSA). Although

Trump claims DOGE will proceed with a "scalpel"-like approach to government cost-cutting which, based on the unit's history, is doubtful.

In the interview, Musk and Rogan touched on a number of hot topics, including DOGE, AI, and Musk's alleged Nazi salute.