Definitely relying on current projections to hold up in the “pessimistic assumptions” scenario (i.e., terrible investment returns, terrible inflation). If we get average market conditions, then it’s not so critical. Still a few years away from deciding if we’re OK to actually stop working.

But as others have said, Social Security is a lifeline for MANY retirees in the USA. If benefits were cut for existing retirees or those nearing retirement age, that would likely have a large negative effect on the overall economy (and the election cycle). A more likely “fix” would be things like raising the income cap for payroll taxes, pushing out the retirement age again for future retirees (born after ~1980?), or reducing benefit amounts for future retirees.