Trump Tariff Fears Envelop Social Security Recipients, 63% Worry About Inflation Rising Above Cost-Of-Living Adjustment

Half of surveyed retirees say they are "terrified" that tariffs could erode their retirement income or savings, according to a new Nationwide Retirement Institute survey, as fresh trade actions and rising costs feed anxiety about fixed benefits.

Why Tariff Fears Are Eroding Retirement Security

Nearly 63% of survey respondents said tariffs would push inflation above next year's Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, which the Senior Citizens League recently projected at 2.7% for 2026.

Concern persists despite recent benefit increases, an 8.7% COLA in 2023, followed by 3.2% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025, with many saying checks still don't stretch as far.

In the survey, 61% said they "could not financially survive" if they ...