Ken Paxton signals openness to cutting Social Security in leaked audio

Who's involved

• Ken PaxtonTexas attorney general; Republican U.S. Senate nominee
• James TalaricoDemocratic opponent in Texas U.S. Senate race
• Jeanne HaggertyLobbyist at private meeting
• Texas TribunePublished the leaked recording
• Texas Democratic PartyCommented on leaked remarks
• Alex LawsonExecutive director of Social Security Works

The facts

• Leaked recording made during private meeting with donors and lobbyists last month.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Paxton said mandatory spending cuts are necessary to address the fiscal deficit.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Paxton ruled out tax increases to close fiscal gap and said he'd back cutting taxes further.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Paxton praised the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act that cuts Medicaid $1 trillion for tax breaks.³
• About 200,000 Texans expected to lose health insurance from OBBB Medicaid cut.³
• Navigator Research poll found 89% of Democrats, 53% of Republicans, 78% of independents oppose cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid.³
• Talarico's plan raises Social Security taxes on those earning over $400,000 annually.³

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Ken Paxton Making reasonable cuts to mandatory spending is necessary; tax cuts generate more revenue.^{1 2 3}
• Ken Paxton Never said he would take away entitlements from those who deserve or earned them.^{1 2}
• Jeanne Haggerty Would like to pay fair share of taxes, which is less than paying now.^{1 2}
• Texas Democratic Party Paxton laughing with lobbyists about cutting Social Security and healthcare.^{1 2}
• Alex Lawson Paxton would push over a million Texans into poverty by cutting benefits.¹