Connecticut Congressman John Larson (District 1) and State Senator Matt Lesser (District 9) visited the Rocky Hill Senior Center on August 8th to speak to seniors about the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle and privatize Social Security. Congressman Larson explained President Trump is:
- manipulating the public with chaotic distractions and false claims to make himself so controversial that he can damage our democracy.
- cutting the Social Security agency’s budget by falsely claiming, without evidence, that there is rampant fraud, waste, that the agency is ineffective and not funded. However, President Trump could resolve the funding issue, but has not.
- undermining the existing Social Security payment system by falsely claiming to the public that the system doesn’t work, when the agency has actually never missed a payment to recipients.
- laying off Social Security helpline workers and closing field offices so people who paid into Social The president’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” will also harm seniors by cutting Medicaid for low-income earners, said Larson, noting that two-thirds of Medicaid payments are for people in nursing homes.
The law will also increase the government’s deficit because it will raise federal spending and the country’s debt limit even more.
Congressman Larson emphasized that when President Trump says “they have a better idea for Social Security”, he wants to “privatize” Social Security. This means it would change into private investment accounts not administered or protected by the government. President Trump has falsely claimed that by privatizing “we can double your money” without any evidence or guarantee of doing so. Senator Lesser added that in the past, President George Bush also wanted to privatize Social Security, but the public rejected his idea.
Beyond these key concerns, the Congressman wanted the audience to know that Democrats are holding public forums across the country, some in Republican states. They are also holding congressional hearings to hold the Trump administration accountable for their actions.
Finally, both Congressman Larson and Senator Lesser explained that the way for the people to stop President Trump is by voting in the November 4, 2026 mid-term elections so that the Democratic party has a way to stop President Trump from stealing our democracy.
You can read about all the efforts Congressman Larson has made to safeguard Social Security, including three legislative acts.
If you would like to use your voice to protect democracy locally, check these internet links to find a peaceful protest in your area.
