Bernie Sanders

What is circulating

“Sen. Bernie Sanders posted on X on 12 June 2026: "Today, Elon Musk, a trillionaire, pays the same amount into Social Security as someone making $184,500."”

Claimed by Bernie Sanders · social media

The facts

PolitiFact rated the claim Mostly True. Wages above the 2026 cap of $184,500 are not subject to Social Security tax, so the maximum employee payment is $11,439. Musk takes no Tesla salary and a SpaceX filing shows $54,080, so in years without payroll-taxed stock compensation he could pay less than a worker earning $184,500.

Fact check: PolitiFact

What is circulating

“At a Senate hearing on 22 April 2026, Sanders said: "As a result of the 'Big Beautiful Bill' 15 million Americans have been thrown off the healthcare that they need."”

Claimed by Bernie Sanders · official statement

The facts

PolitiFact rated the claim Mostly False. The Congressional Budget Office projected the 2025 law would increase the uninsured by 10 million through 2034, and the 15 million figure added about 4 million expected to lose coverage from expiring ACA tax credits, a separate change. Those losses are projections; ACA enrollment for 2026 was 23.1 million, about 1 million below 2025.

Fact check: PolitiFact