Democratic vice presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz took a jab at former President Trump’s age during a rally in Georgia. Walz criticized Trump’s proposal to halt taxing Social Security checks, joking that Trump himself would be eligible for the program, which is for Americans aged 62 and older.
“Now, Trump came out with a plan that if we execute his plan, Social Security will go broke in six years,” Walz said, referencing an analysis of the impact of Trump’s tax proposals on Social Security. He went on to suggest that Social Security might not be a priority for Trump due to his wealth, stating, “If you’re a billionaire and your dad gave you $400 million – you pretty much squandered all that, but you can just limp along on $400 million…he doesn’t care.”
The crowd reacted with enthusiasm as Walz quipped, “Now he is nearly 80, so he does qualify for Social Security.” He emphasized the importance of protecting Social Security and Medicare, contrasting Trump’s apparent indifference with his own mother’s reliance on her Social Security check.
While Harris allies have frequently used Trump’s age as a political attack, a recent analysis from the Committee For a Responsible Federal Budget criticized both Trump and Harris for lacking sufficient solutions regarding Social Security. Despite Harris’s promise to safeguard Social Security through tax reforms on her campaign website, details are scarce.
The analysis noted that neither candidate has presented comprehensive plans to address Social Security’s financial challenges, despite the looming threat of benefit cuts. However, it projected that Trump’s proposed tax and tariff policies could extend the program’s solvency from fiscal year 2034 to FY 2031.
Trump has consistently pledged to protect Social Security and Medicare during his campaign events, including a recent rally in Georgia. Both the Trump and Harris campaigns have heavily invested in Georgia, a state where Biden narrowly won in 2020.
In response to Walz’s remarks, the Trump campaign’s Georgia spokesperson criticized Harris and Walz for their approach to key issues, asserting that Trump’s leadership is needed to address pressing concerns such as immigration and high prices.
As the campaigns intensify their efforts in Georgia, voters will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the country. Stay tuned for more updates from the campaign trail as the 2024 election approaches.