On August 14, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation marking the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act. The act, originally signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, established a federal program designed to provide financial support for seniors and workers across the United States.
In his statement, President Trump reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defending Social Security and prioritizing American workers and families. "On the 90th anniversary of the establishment of this historic program, I recommit to always defending Social Security, rewarding the men and women who make our country prosperous, and taking care of our own workers, families, seniors, and citizens first," Trump said.
The president highlighted recent legislative changes affecting Social Security recipients. He noted that following the passage of what he called the "historic One Big Beautiful Bill" last month, most seniors receiving Social Security will no longer pay taxes on their benefits. According to Trump, this change represents "the largest tax break for seniors in the history of our country."
Efforts to improve efficiency within the Social Security Administration were also addressed in Trump's remarks. He stated that his administration is working to reduce fraud and waste within federal programs by eliminating improper payments and ensuring only eligible individuals receive benefits. "To further strengthen Social Security, my Administration is aggressively rooting out all fraud, waste, and abuse that rob our Federal programs of resources — including stopping payments to the deceased and eliminating benefits for those who do not legally qualify," he said.
Trump also mentioned ongoing initiatives aimed at making government agencies more effective for citizens: "At the same time, I am making the Social Security Administration more efficient, more responsive, and more effective than ever before — reducing wait times and delivering the payments the American people worked hard to earn." Additionally, he linked border security policies with efforts to preserve Medicare and Social Security funds for eligible citizens.
Reflecting on nine decades since its inception, Trump recognized older Americans’ contributions: "On this 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, we recognize the countless contributions of every American senior who has invested their time, talent, and resources into our Nation’s future." He concluded by reiterating a pledge to protect retirement programs from fraud while ensuring income security for future generations.
President Trump formally proclaimed August 14 as a day recognizing this milestone in U.S. social policy history.
