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In a pointed interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) urged lawmakers to be truthful with the American public about the future of Social Security, saying that refusing to discuss necessary reforms is dishonest.
“We’re not being honest when we look people in the eye and say we’re not going to touch it. If we don’t touch it, it touches itself,” Curtis told Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker on Sunday. “That’s not being honest with the American people, and I think that’s one of the things that makes them not trust us.”
His comments come as President Donald Trump has repeatedly reassured voters that his administration would not make cuts to Social Security. However, concerns have grown following remarks from Elon Musk, who has played a key role in the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), advocating for major reductions in government spending.
Curtis, while acknowledging the need to protect current retirees, emphasized that Social Security must be adjusted for future generations.
“We all need to say, those in retirement and those near retirement, we’re not going to touch it, you’re safe. But let’s have that conversation, because my kids don’t think they’re going to get it,” he said. “So why can’t we have a conversation with them about moving some of the variables around, and the sooner we do it, the less dramatic it has to be?”
Curtis also revealed plans to introduce a Social Security reform proposal in the coming months, though his office declined to provide details.
Debate Over Federal Spending and Musk’s Role
The Republican senator addressed growing concerns over the role of Musk in shaping federal budget policies. Musk has been vocal about reducing government expenditures, leading to speculation that Social Security could be targeted for future cuts.
When asked about Musk’s influence, Curtis dismissed concerns, arguing that Trump ultimately makes the final decisions.
“President Trump can consult anybody he wants to,” Curtis said. “Elon Musk is not making any cuts. He’s only suggesting the cuts, and then President Trump is making the cuts.”
An NBC News poll this month found that 46% of registered voters supported the creation of DOGE, but 47% held negative views of the agency, with 51% expressing unfavorable opinions about Musk’s involvement in government decisions.
Trump’s Second-Term Agenda and Legal Controversies
During the interview, Curtis was also asked about recent comments from Trump ally Steve Bannon, who suggested Trump could run for a third term despite constitutional limitations. Curtis firmly rejected the idea.
“I wouldn’t have supported a third term for George Washington,” he said, confirming he would not support a third term for Trump either.
Additionally, the senator briefly addressed the ongoing legal battle over the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants, despite a court order temporarily blocking the effort.
“I think that’s the beauty of the courts—having confidence that it will play out and we’ll get to the right answer,” Curtis said.
As the debate over Social Security reform and government spending intensifies, Curtis’ comments highlight a growing divide within the Republican Party over how to handle entitlement programs in the face of mounting federal deficits. His upcoming proposal is likely to spark further debate over the future of Social Security in the United States.
