Senator John Curtis, R-Utah, admitted on NBC’s Meet the Press that Republicans are “not being honest” when they claim they won’t touch Social Security.
Curtis made these comments as President Donald Trump has promised not to cut Social Security, and as concerns about potential cuts continue to grow among voters. Business leader Elon Musk, who has been involved in efforts to cut government spending, has also criticized Social Security, sparking more worry among Trump’s supporters.
“We’re not being honest when we look people in the eye and say we’re not going to touch it,” Curtis said. “If we don’t touch it, it touches itself. You know that, right? That’s not being honest with the American people, and that’s one of the things that makes them not trust us when we say something that they know isn’t true.”
Curtis stressed the importance of starting a conversation about what Social Security might look like for younger generations—those in their 20s and 30s—who may not believe they’ll receive benefits when they retire.
“We need to say to people in retirement and those near retirement, ‘you’re safe.’ But let’s have that conversation because my kids don’t think they’re going to get it,” Curtis explained. “Why can’t we talk about adjusting things for the future? The sooner we do it, the less dramatic it has to be.”
He also warned that delaying changes to Social Security could result in tougher decisions later on.
Curtis plans to introduce a bill in the coming months to address Social Security reform, although his office has not yet provided details about the legislation.
Social Security has long been a sensitive political issue, with many considering it off-limits due to its broad popularity. Curtis has previously spoken out about the need for reform and was vocal in his support for Republican Senate leaders to prioritize discussions on the topic.
While many Republicans have raised concerns about the federal deficit and cutting government spending, Trump’s administration has already taken steps to reduce some Social Security services, such as closing offices and cutting phone services.
When asked about Elon Musk’s involvement in these efforts, Curtis dismissed the idea that Musk was making cuts himself. “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.”
A recent NBC News poll showed that 46% of voters supported the idea of creating a new department to cut government spending, but 47% opposed it, with 51% holding negative views of Musk.
Curtis was also asked about comments from Trump ally Steve Bannon, who suggested Trump could run for and win a third term, which is prohibited by the Constitution. Curtis made it clear that he would not support a third term for Trump, saying, “I wouldn’t have supported a third term for George Washington.”
Regarding ongoing legal battles over deportations under the Trump administration, Curtis said he was not a lawyer but expressed confidence in the court system. “I think that’s the beauty of the courts, is having confidence that it will play out and we’ll get to the right answer,” he said.
Watch the full interview below from NBC News:
