I recently came across a troubling analysis that highlights how millions of American seniors will soon face significant challenges in accessing their Social Security benefits due to changes made by Donald Trump. Starting April 14th, the Social Security Administration will require retirement benefit applicants and those wanting to update direct deposit to apply online or in person at a field office, eliminating phone services used by 40% of applicants.

This change is particularly concerning because nearly 6 million seniors live more than a 46.6-mile round trip from the nearest field office—over double the average distance most seniors travel in a day. In Alaska, for example, 46% of seniors live even farther from these offices, and many lack internet access. Additionally, some benefits, like survivors' claims, cannot be filed online, forcing grieving families to make the difficult trip to a nearby office.

Worsening the situation, Elon Musk plans to close dozens of Social Security offices this year, making it even harder for seniors to access their benefits. He has also criticized Social Security as a "Ponzi scheme," which is deeply concerning given its role in preventing poverty among seniors. It seems that these changes are part of a broader Republican strategy to weaken and ultimately dismantle Social Security for privatization with inferior services at higher costs.