Musk wants to kill Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
Elon Musk says he wants to eliminate Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. In an interview with host Larry Kudlow on a Fox News business program, Musk said that up to $700 billion could be cut from federal spending by eliminating the programs. What he did not say was that Social Security benefits are payouts of contributions people have made for many years through Social Security taxes and Medicare is medical insurance that people have paid for over many years through Medicare taxes. During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump premised not to touch the programs that Musk is intent on killing. The White House as of Tuesday morning said nothing to challenge what Musk said.
Musk’s people already given ability to shut off Social Security benefits
Elon Musk and his people already have the ability to shut off Social Security payments according to a sworn affidavit filed in federal court. The document was filed in connection with a lawsuit filed by labor unions to stop Elon Musk’s access to sensitive Social Security data. In the affidavit, Tiffany Flick who was the acting chief of staff at Social Security until the Trump Administration got rid of her last month said that Musk and his people already have been given access that allows them to change in Social Security computer files. This includes changing the amounts of benefits paid to Social Security recipients or entirely eliminating payments.
Security clearances pulled for experienced former government officials
Donald Trump’s Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has followed Trump’s orders and pulled the security clearances of numerous former government officials. In the past, new administrations have used the expertise of former government officials to help them deal with foreign policy, national security and other issues. Gabbard said yesterday that she eliminated the security clearances of about 60 people. Among them are former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Judge blocks Khalil deportation for now
Federal Judge Jesse Furman in New York has temporarily blocked the Trump Administration from deporting Mahmoud Khalil who led pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the campus of Columbia University. Khalil, who holds a green card and is a legal resident of the U.S. was arrested by ICE at his New York apartment. He is married to a U.S. citizen. He was taken by ICE from New York to Louisiana. Critics of the arrest see what the Trump Administration did as an attack on freedom of speech and the Constitution. Trump says more outspoken people similar to Khalil will be targeted in the future.
Pope’s condition improves
The Vatican quotes doctors as saying that Pope Francis is no longer in danger of imminent death and his condition continues to improve. The Pope is expected to remain in a Rome hospital for several more days undergoing treatment for double pneumonia. Doctors say he will need to receive rehabilitation treatment after leaving the hospital. The Pope continues to receive supplemental oxygen.
Ukraine and Russia stage new attacks
Russia said today that it shot down 343 Ukrainian drones in what appeared to be the largest drone attack by Ukraine on Russia. Russia said that more than 90 of the drones were targeted at Moscow. It said that three people were killed and at least six wounded. Russia said that a nuclear power plant and an oil refinery were among the targets. Ukraine said that Russia again attacked it overnight with missiles and drones, killing one person and injuring 18.
