The Biden administration was forced to delete a Twitter post taking credit for a boost in retirees’ Social Security checks Wednesday after social media users pointed out the increase was tied to decades-high inflation, the NY Post reports.
“Seniors are getting the biggest increase in their Social Security checks in 10 years through President Biden’s leadership,” read the tweet from the official White House account Tuesday afternoon.
Twitter, which was purchased last week by billionaire Elon Musk, appended a note to the claim that said: “Readers added context they thought people might want to know.”
”Seniors will receive a large Social Security benefit increase due to the annual cost of living adjustment, which is based on the inflation rate,” the note said, linking to the Social Security Administration’s website for an explanation on the Nixon-era legislation behind the increase – known as COLA.
When asked about his administration being forced to delete a Twitter post taking false credit for an upcoming boost in retirees’ Social Security, President Biden told reporters: “Okay, so we were wrong about that phony claim, but I definitely deserve credit for the boost in gasoline prices. Gas prices were already increasing significantly before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so give me credit on that one.”
Biden added: “The boost in inflation is also occurring on my watch, and like the gasoline price boost, the inflation boost started prior to Russia’s invasion, so chalk that one up to me too. There’s no need to fact check those two accomplishments; it’s the truth; scout’s honor. Thank me, please.”