Former United States President Joe Biden delivered his first major speech since leaving office on April 15, 2025, focusing on the threats posed to Social Security by the Trump administration. Speaking at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago, Biden described the current administration's actions as a "breathtaking" level of destruction that jeopardizes the retirement benefits of millions of Americans.
Biden's remarks came as he criticized the sweeping administrative reforms initiated by President Donald Trump, particularly those led by billionaire advisor Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He claimed that in fewer than 100 days, the new administration has inflicted significant damage, stating, "They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security, pushing 7,000 employees out the door." This statement underscores the potential impact of staff reductions on the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is responsible for distributing approximately $1.4 trillion in benefits to 73 million elderly and disabled citizens annually.
The former president, now 82, spoke for about 30 minutes, during which he displayed some signs of aging, including occasional stumbles in his delivery. Biden’s comments were a direct response to concerns raised by many about the future of Social Security amidst ongoing cuts and audits being conducted by the DOGE team. He emphasized the importance of Social Security, calling it a "sacred promise" that Americans rely on to meet their basic needs.
"People can’t sign on to their accounts," Biden lamented, referring to complaints from Social Security recipients about long wait times and outages on the agency's benefits portal. He accused the Trump administration of creating chaos, saying, "They want to wreck it so they can rob it. Why do they want to rob it? In order to give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations." His remarks highlight a growing concern among Democrats that the current administration's policies may disproportionately harm vulnerable populations.
Trump's administration has been characterized by aggressive cost-cutting measures, with Musk previously labeling Social Security as "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time." In response to Biden's speech, the SSA publicly refuted his claims, stating, "Former President Joe Biden is lying to Americans. Here are the facts: President Trump has repeatedly promised to protect Social Security and ensure higher take-home pay for seniors by ending taxation on Social Security benefits." This statement, released on the social media platform X, indicates the administration's commitment to maintaining Social Security benefits, despite the ongoing criticism.
During his speech, Biden also touched upon the emotional toll that uncertainty regarding Social Security can take on beneficiaries. He remarked, "How do you sleep at night?" when addressing the fears that many have about the reliability of their benefits. The former president's comments resonated with many at the conference, particularly those who depend on Social Security for their livelihood.
Despite the potential for Biden's speech to rally support among Democratic voters, some party members expressed concern that his reappearance on the political stage could distract from the criticisms facing Trump over his economic policies, particularly his recent trade war with China. Democratic strategist Karen Finney warned, "You don’t want to become a lightning rod that distracts from Trump. And it could make it easy for Trump to change the subject to Biden." This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the party about the strategic implications of Biden's public engagements.
In contrast, other Democrats, such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, supported Biden’s decision to speak out, viewing it as crucial for galvanizing older voters who rely on Social Security. Jeffries stated, "This is an all hands on deck moment, which is why President Biden's voice in this moment is so important." This divide within the party illustrates the complexities of navigating political messaging in a highly polarized environment.
Biden’s speech also highlighted the broader implications of the Trump administration's policies on American society. He argued that the proposed cuts to Social Security could lead to devastating consequences for millions, emphasizing that the program is not just a government initiative but a lifeline for many families. "If it were cut or taken away, it would be devastating, devastating for millions of people," he asserted, reinforcing the critical nature of the issue.
On the same day, Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from obtaining Social Security benefits, a move that his administration claims is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the program. However, critics argue that this directive distracts from the more pressing issues of service cuts and the operational challenges facing the SSA.
As Biden continues to navigate his post-presidency role, his focus on Social Security may serve to solidify his standing within the Democratic base, particularly among older voters. Nevertheless, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges as both parties prepare for the upcoming midterm elections. With Biden's approval rating hovering around 38 percent at the time he left office, the effectiveness of his return to the public eye remains to be seen.
Ultimately, Biden’s speech serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding Social Security and the critical importance of safeguarding this vital program for future generations. As the political discourse evolves, both parties will need to address the concerns of their constituents while navigating the complexities of governance in a divided nation.
