President Donald Trump’s new “Big, Beautiful Bill” is making headlines for the promises it keeps—and the ones it leaves out. Although Trump pledged during his campaign to eliminate taxes on Social Security, that promise didn’t make it into the final bill.
Let’s break down what’s in the bill, what’s missing, and what this means for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security to make ends meet.
What Is the Big, Beautiful Bill?
The Big, Beautiful Bill is a new piece of legislation introduced by Trump that includes several tax cuts and credits he promised during his campaign. It has already passed the House and is now heading to the Senate.
Key Provisions in the Bill:
- Increased deduction for state and local taxes
- No federal tax on tips
- No tax on overtime pay
- Reduced subsidies for federal student loans
- Reduced Medicaid spending
However, one major promise is missing: no federal tax on Social Security benefits.
Trump’s Promise on Social Security
During his campaign—and again at a recent town hall—Trump promised:
“Seniors should not pay tax on Social Security.”
He said the Big, Beautiful Bill would include “no tax on tips, no tax on Social Security, and no tax on overtime.” But when the final bill came out, the promise to end taxes on Social Security was left out.
Why Was the Social Security Promise Left Out?
According to reports, removing federal taxes on Social Security would require changing the Social Security Act, which needs 60 votes in the Senate. Neither party holds that kind of majority, so it’s unlikely to pass without bipartisan support.
Plus, ending taxes on Social Security could hurt the program’s financial health. The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund—which pays Social Security benefits—relies on income from taxes to stay solvent.
According to the 2024 Social Security Board of Trustees Report, the OASI Trust Fund could be depleted by 2033. If the taxes were eliminated, it would drain the fund even faster, possibly leading to cuts in benefits for retirees.
Key Provisions in the Big, Beautiful Bill
| Provision | Included in Bill? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No federal tax on tips | ✅ | Helps workers in service jobs |
| No federal tax on overtime pay | ✅ | Encourages working extra hours |
| Increased state and local tax deduction | ✅ | Benefits taxpayers in high-tax states |
| Additional deduction for middle- and low-income seniors | ✅ | Adds $4,000 deduction for seniors |
| No federal tax on Social Security benefits | ❌ | Left out; would need 60 Senate votes to pass |
What Happens Next?
The Senate is set to return on June 2 to consider the bill. While it could pass with a simple majority, some Republicans like Rand Paul and Ron Johnson have said they won’t vote for it unless changes are made. That means the bill’s future—and any chance of Social Security tax reform—remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The Big, Beautiful Bill might bring relief to many Americans through tax breaks and credits, but it leaves out Trump’s big promise to end taxes on Social Security. While many seniors were hoping for this relief, the change wasn’t included due to Senate rules and concerns about the future of the Social Security program.
For now, Social Security taxes will stay the same—at least until lawmakers can find a way to keep the program solvent while delivering on campaign promises.
FAQ’s
1. Why didn’t the bill include the Social Security tax cut?
It requires 60 votes in the Senate, which is tough to get.
2. Will Social Security benefits get taxed this year?
Yes, seniors will still pay taxes on their Social Security benefits.
3. What’s next for the bill?
The Senate will debate and vote on it when they return on June 2.
