When I teach my students about President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the creation of Social Security, I remind them it wasn’t just a policy — it was a promise. A promise that no American would grow old or become disabled without a safety net. But nearly 90 years later, that promise is under coordinated attack by the Trump Administration and Republicans.
In this powerful interview, I sit down with Governor Martin O’Malley — former mayor, governor, and Commissioner of the Social Security Administration — to unpack what’s really going on. From staffing cuts to privatization threats to billionaires like Elon Musk calling it a “Ponzi scheme,” this conversation is a wake-up call. O’Malley even shares a personal photo of his maternal grandfather standing behind FDR during his final campaign stop — a moving reminder of the great legacy of Social Security in the United States.
In this urgent and eye-opening interview, I sit down with Governor Martin O’Malley, former Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, to break down the myths, political attacks, and dangerous disinformation campaigns threatening one of America’s most vital programs. With clarity, humor, and deep historical knowledge, Governor O’Malley exposes the falsehoods — from claims that Social Security is a “Ponzi scheme” to lies about immigrants draining the system. He explains how the program actually works, why it’s financially sound, and how efforts to starve the agency of staff and resources are part of a deliberate strategy to dismantle it from within.
We also dig into the moral foundation of Social Security — a program rooted in the common good and our shared responsibility to one another. O’Malley makes the case that Social Security isn’t just a policy — it’s a promise, a reflection of our country’s values, and one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in history.
With Trump and Elon Musk’s administration pushing budget cuts, staff purges, and privatization efforts, O’Malley issues a clear call to action:
Know the truth, share the truth, and tell your elected officials to keep their hands off our earned benefits.
This is a must-watch conversation for anyone who cares about economic justice, democracy — and the future of our country.
Share this post