During the exchange with host Maria Bartiromo, Bisignano stated that while any change would require congressional approval and time to implement, he considers all options to be on the table regarding the agency's fiscal health. The statement sparked swift backlash, as critics pointed to explicit pledges made by Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign, where he vowed not to cut Social Security benefits or raise the retirement age by a single day.
Progressives Denounce Retirement Age Hike Suggestion by Trump Official
Conflict erupted Friday after Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano signaled that raising the federal retirement age is currently under consideration. The comment, made during a Fox Business interview, immediately drew condemnation from labor advocates and lawmakers who labeled the potential policy shift a direct betrayal of campaign promises.
Social Security Works condemned the suggestion, noting that increasing the retirement age by even one year effectively functions as a 7% cut to benefits. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich challenged the necessity of such a move, suggesting instead that lawmakers address fiscal gaps by lifting the Social Security tax cap on high earners. Meanwhile, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) criticized the timing of the proposal, contrasting it with recent Republican-led tax legislation that favored the wealthy. The United Auto Workers joined the chorus of opposition, dismissing the idea with a blunt social media post: “Hell no!”
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