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I agree it doesn't make a lot of sense to tax SS distributions as income since that's where they came from in the first place, but it is as close to means testing as we're likely to see in the near future. Effectively it puts those of us who did manage to save an adequate retirement in the position of taking less so that others not in that situation can take more, (which is as socialistic as it sounds), but the fact that SS has limited means in the face of growing needs and diminishing contributions seems to me to be pretty well established. Population dynamics and plunder on the part of the Clinton administration have placed SS in this position. (Clinton apologists who claim proudly that they "balanced the budget" are notably reticent in stating how.)

It sucks, yes, and it also sucks to be a Millennial facing student debt in amounts that my generation never faced. That problem is taking us toward a level of unfairness that dwarfs the SS taxation, IMHO, just as inevitably. What do we tell the ones who worked their way through school or have paid their student debts when we erase those of their peers with a wave of the magic federal wand? (Aside, of course, from "Sorry for tanking your economy.") A "fair" solution to that one appears to me to be just as unreachable. I would be grateful for correction on both topics.

They don’t tax up to 25,000.00 a year!!!

I agree it doesn't make a lot of sense to tax SS distributions as income since that's where they came from in the first place, but it is as close to means testing as we're likely to see in the near future. Effectively it puts those of us who did manage to save an adequate retirement in the position of taking less so that others not in that situation can take more, (which is as socialistic as it sounds)

It's a well established and simple rule of government:

"You have some money. Give it to me."