McCarthy Took Social Security Cuts ‘Off the Table’ in Debt Ceiling Talks, but It’s Still ‘Third Rail’ in US Politics

U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) before delivering the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 7, 2023. Jacquelyn Martin-Pool/Getty Images

Republicans erupted in loud and sustained protest when President Joe Biden claimed during his Feb. 7 State of the Union (SOTU) address that they planned to cut Medicare and Social Security benefits for the elderly.

“Some of my Republican friends want to take the economy hostage unless I agree to their economic plans. All of you at home should know what their plans are. Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset every five years,” Biden said.