How the Super Rich Are Killing Social Security

By Robert Reich

Published March 22, 2026 at 3:14 PM PDT

Social Security taxes are rigged for the rich — and the program is in danger because of it.

A CEO earning $20M/yr pays Social Security taxes on ~1% of their income. Meanwhile, a normal worker pays Social Security taxes on 100% of their income.

How does that make any sense?

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How the Super Rich Are Killing Social Security | Robert Reich

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Robert Reich

Robert B. Reich is Professor of Public Policy emeritus at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He has served in three national administrations, including as secretary of labor under President Bill Clinton, for which Time Magazine named him one of the ten most effective cabinet secretaries of the twentieth century.

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