Elon Musk eyes Social Security and benefit programmes for cuts while claiming widespread fraud

Elon Musk pushed debunked theories about Social Security on Monday while describing federal benefit programmes as rife with fraud, suggesting they will be a primary target in his crusade to reduce government spending.

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The billionaire entrepreneur, who is advising President Donald Trump, suggested that $500 billion to $700 billion in waste needed to be cut.

"Most of the federal spending is entitlements," Musk told the Fox Business Network.

"That's the big one to eliminate."

The comments on the popular programme and other benefits provided to Americans could rattle politicians on both sides of the aisle as Musk works to downsize the federal government, especially as he already faces blowback for his chainsaw-wielding approach to laying off workers and slashing programmes.