4 Social Security Changes That Trump Does Not Have the Power To Make
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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With Social Security facing financial difficulties, President Donald Trump has been outspoken about changes he’d consider making, but does he really have the power to make sweeping changes? It’s true that if changes aren’t made to rectify the problems Social Security is facing, future generations will receive reduced benefits, but a president is limited in their authority over the program.
In his first few months in office for his second term, Trump made several changes to Social Security, including ending paper Social Security checks, giving Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) authority to reduce staff, resulting in office closures, and appointing a new SSA commissioner.
However, other updates he’s proposed for the program are out of his authority and would require Congress to step in, according to finance expert Andrew Lokenauth. Here are four Social Security changes that Trump does not have the power to make.
Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments
The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for next year looks like it could be the lowest annual bump in years, but that could change, CNBC reported.
“No president can unilaterally change how COLAs are calculated,” Lokenauth added. “This requires an act of Congress. The formula’s been the same since the 1970s — it’s based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W).”
Full Retirement Age Adjustments
There’s been a lot of talk about raising the retirement age by some Republicans, like Nikki Haley when she was running for the Oval Office.
However, Trump has publicly been opposed on this topic, and it’s not an act he can do — that falls to Congress, as well, Lokenauth said — and the last time they changed it, it was 1983.
“Working with retirees, I can tell you there’s tons of misinformation here. The president can’t just decide to raise the retirement age,” he explained.
Payroll Tax Rates
The current payroll tax most employees pay is 6.2% for Social Security, per Congress.gov, and a president does not have the power to change the rate.
Lokenauth explained, “The current 6.2% employee rate needs congressional approval to change. A president can defer collection — like during [the COVID-19 pandemic] — but can’t alter the actual rate.”
Benefit Calculation Methods
Benefit calculation methods determine how much each retiree should receive in benefits.
“I’ve spent many hours explaining this to concerned clients,” Lokenauth said. “The president simply doesn’t have authority to modify how benefits are calculated. That 35-year earning average formula — it’s locked in by law.”
Social Security is a big point on campaign trails and talking about protecting the program drums up support, but meaningful changes require legislative action.
“The president’s role is primarily administrative,” Lokenauth noted.
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Sources
- Andrew Lokenauth
- CNBC, “Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 is projected to be lowest in recent years. Why that may change.”
- Congress.gov, “Payroll Taxes: An Overview of Taxes Imposed and Past Payroll Tax Relief.”
