Trump warns U.S. House Republicans not to touch Social Security, Medicare

WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Former President Donald Trump warned his fellow Republicans on Friday not to "destroy" federal retirement and health benefits as they try to exact spending cuts from President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies in the looming debate over the debt ceiling.

"Under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security," Trump said in a two-minute video message posted to social media that could test his influence among Republicans who now control the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Do not cut the benefits our seniors worked for and paid for their entire lives. Save Social Security. Don't destroy it!"

Trump's call to protect the two single largest federal spending programs could put him at odds with some House Republicans who have said they should not be off the table in budget talks.

Social Security, which provides retirement and disability payments, accounted for 17% of federal spending in the 2021...
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