Apple News Today: "How Social Security is Changing" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: March 27, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu

Introduction

In the March 27, 2025 episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitah Basu addresses pivotal changes affecting Social Security, the Trump administration's aggressive stance against law firms challenging its policies, and a multi-faceted assault on public media. The episode provides comprehensive insights into these significant developments, highlighting their implications for Americans and the broader political landscape.

1. Transformation of Social Security Policies

a. Implementation of New Overpayment Policy

At the episode's outset, Basu discusses a pivotal change in Social Security's approach to handling overpayments:

• Policy Change:
  "The agency will take 100% of future benefits until the overpayment has been corrected."
  (00:33)

  Previously, Social Security withheld 10% of future benefits to recover overpayments, a method applied when beneficiaries either faced miscalculations or failed to update their income information.

b. Context and Scale of Overpayments

Basu provides context on the prevalence of overpayments:

• Audit Findings:
  "A 2024 internal audit found overpayments accounted for less than 1% of all benefits paid between the 2015 and 2022 fiscal years, about $72 billion. Two thirds of that money was eventually recovered."
  (00:33)

  Considering Social Security's annual distribution of approximately $1.6 trillion in benefits, the overpayment rate remains minimal.

c. Administration's Critique and Actions

The episode delves into the administration's perspective and subsequent actions:

• Administration Claims:
  "Trump and Musk claim the benefits system... is plagued by waste and fraud."
  (00:33)

  Despite internal audits indicating low overpayment rates, the administration under President Trump and Elon Musk advocates for significant austerity measures within Social Security.

• Implemented Measures:

  • Elimination of thousands of agency jobs
  • Closure of numerous Social Security offices
  • Restriction of claim filings to in-person or online methods
  • Overloaded Social Security website leading to multiple crashes
  • Severe understaffing causing prolonged hold times for callers

d. Expert Analysis by Todd Frankel

Former Washington Post reporter Todd Frankel provides a critical analysis of these changes:

• Inspector Generals Dismissal:
  "When Trump came into office, there were 17 different inspector generals the federal government. He fired them all."
  (02:44)

  Frankel highlights that the removal of inspector generals undermines the agency's ability to detect waste, fraud, and abuse effectively.

• Robust Oversight Undermined:
  "Social Security is one of the most scrutinized and audited agencies in government."
  (03:05)

  He emphasizes that the proactive oversight mechanisms are being compromised, posing risks to the agency's integrity.

e. Public Perception and Political Implications

Basu underscores the political sensitivity surrounding Social Security:

• Public Support:
  "An AP Nork poll earlier this year said two thirds of Americans think the government is spending too little on Social Security."
  (03:53)

  Social Security remains a highly popular and sensitive issue, often referred to as "the third rail in politics" due to its electrifying political impact.

• Political Maneuvering:
  "If there isn't too much waste, fraud and abuse within Social Security, well, where are you going to get those savings from?"
  (04:41)

  Frankel articulates the administration's challenge in justifying cuts when tangible waste is minimal, hinting at potential reductions in actual benefits.

2. Trump Administration’s Crackdown on Legal Firms

a. Targeting of Prominent Law Firms

Basu transitions to the administration's unprecedented actions against major law firms:

• Executive Orders Issued:
  The Trump administration has revoked security clearances for several top-tier law firms, including Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss, citing their involvement in litigation against the government or work perceived as opposing administration policies.

• Notable Actions:
  "Trump revoked security clearances for a number of lawyers at the firm Covington and Burling."
  (05:57)
  "The president issued a similar order against the firm Paul Weiss..."
  (06:07)

b. Impact on the Legal Industry

Legal experts and firms are reacting to these aggressive measures:

• Legal Scholar Erin Mulvaney's Insights:
  "These moves have shocked the legal industry and are intimidating high profile firms."
  (05:57)
  "You might win in court, but at the end of the day your law firm may not survive..."
  (07:09)

  Mulvaney emphasizes the chilling effect these orders have on the legal profession, fostering an environment of fear and uncertainty.

c. Firm Responses and Legal Battles

The targeted firms are responding in various ways:

• Perkins Coie:
  "Some places, like Perkins Coie, have sued the administration. A judge issued a temporary restraining order in their case..."
  (06:26)

• Paul Weiss's Concessions:
  "...agreed to provide $40 million in pro bono work on issues that Trump says support the administration's initiatives."
  (06:26)

  In exchange, the administration rescinded its order against Paul Weiss, though this strategy has left other firms contemplating similar compromises or legal defenses.

d. Broader Implications

Basu highlights the administration's broader strategy:

• Continued Crackdown:
  "The administration has announced plans to eliminate thousands of jobs at the agency, close offices..."
  (00:33)

  The targeting extends beyond individual firms, aiming to dismantle legal checks against the administration's policies.

3. Assault on Public Media

a. Threats to Defund Public Broadcasters

Basu addresses the administration's attempts to undermine public media institutions like PBS and NPR:

• Republican Subcommittee Actions:
  "A subcommittee in the House led by Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene called on the CEOs of NPR and PBS to testify."
  (08:00)

  The subcommittee alleges bias towards the political left, challenging the objectivity of these broadcasters.

b. Public Media’s Defense and Public Opinion

Executives from PBS and NPR defend their roles:

• Defense of Objectivity:
  "The executives of PBS and NPR rejected claims of bias, saying the networks are a crucial source of accurate information..."
  (08:00)

  Despite criticisms, public support remains strong as evidenced by polling data.

• Public Support:
  "Two thirds of Americans think the government is spending too little on Social Security."
  (03:53)

  "The latest funding bill passed by Congress... approved funds for public broadcasting through 2027."
  (08:52)

c. Brian Stelter’s Analysis

CNN Chief Media Correspondent Brian Stelter provides an expert perspective:

• Shift from Rhetoric to Action:
  "In his second term, he's trying to translate those words into actions."
  (09:08)
  Stelter critiques Trump’s transition from verbal attacks on the press to tangible measures aimed at restricting media operations.

• Comprehensive Attack Strategy:
  "What I see President Trump and his allies doing are looking for every conceivable pressure point against the American news media..."
  (10:50)

  Stelter outlines a multi-pronged approach targeting various facets of the media industry, from policy changes to direct restrictions.

d. Specific Government Actions Against Media

Basu enumerates several actions taken to limit media freedom:

• Voice of America Shutdown Attempt:
  "The administration is trying to shut down Voice of America..."
  (09:12)

• Ban on AP Coverage:
  "The administration has banned the AP from covering White House events..."
  (09:12)

• Pentagon Press Restrictions:
  "The Defense Department removed several outlets... from their workspaces at the Pentagon."
  (09:12)

• Control Over Press Pool:
  "The White House broke from protocol and took control of the press pool..."
  (09:12)

4. Additional News Highlights

In addition to the primary topics, Basu covers several other news stories:

a. Tariffs on the Auto Industry

• New Tariffs Imposed:
  "A 25% tariff will be levied on all cars and some auto parts imported to the US starting April 3rd."
  (11:37)

  The White House asserts these tariffs aim to boost domestic production, though automakers express concerns over disrupted global supply chains.

b. Immigration Enforcement Case

• Detention of Rumesa Ozturk:
  "The latest college student to be detained by US immigration authorities is 30 year old Rumesa Ozturk..."
  (11:37)

  Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student, faces deportation on grounds of supporting Hamas, sparking legal battles and public debate over the administration's immigration policies.

c. Future of Robot Umpires in Baseball

• Technological Developments:
  "The technology allows batters to challenge balls and strikes... could be a reality one day."
  (11:37)

  While robot umpires are currently unready for major leagues and receive mixed reviews, advancements suggest potential future integration into professional baseball.

Conclusion

The March 27 episode of Apple News Today provides a thorough examination of significant policy shifts and political maneuvers impacting Social Security, the legal landscape, and public media in the United States. Through expert insights and detailed reporting, Shemitah Basu elucidates the intricate dynamics and potential ramifications of the Trump administration's strategies, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of these pivotal issues.

For more in-depth stories, including Caitlin Tiffany's exploration of women in baseball, listeners are encouraged to follow Apple News Plus Narrated.