AP debunks claims about “tens of millions” of centenarians getting Social Security benefits

By Fatima Hussein

Reporter Fatima Hussein’s expertise in covering the Treasury Department enabled AP to debunk false claims by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk that “tens of millions” of centenarians were receiving Social Security benefits.

Hussein methodically sifted through Social Security and Treasury records, Office of Inspector General reports, and other documents, ultimately proving that there was no basis for the claims. She also noted that while the Biden administration had previously acknowledged some erroneous federal benefits payments to deceased individuals, the scale suggested by Musk and Trump was vastly exaggerated.

Hussein’s findings were later confirmed by the new acting Social Security commissioner—an open supporter of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—who clarified that deceased centenarians were “not necessarily receiving benefits,” directly contradicting Trump and Musk.