Former President Joe Biden delivered a stark warning during his first public speech since leaving the White House, addressing advocates for disabled persons in Chicago on April 15, 2025. He raised alarms that for the first time in history, Social Security benefits might not be disbursed this month due to significant cuts to the government office that administers these funds. Biden’s message, urgent and critical, echoed a long-standing belief that Social Security has always been reliable, even during wartime, economic recessions, and pandemics. He stated, "In the 90 years since Franklin Roosevelt created the Social Security system, people have always gotten their Social Security checks. Now, for the first time ever, that might change. It would be calamity for millions of families."
Biden's speech comes amid a backdrop of deep cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA), which provides benefits to over 70 million Americans. He criticized the current administration under President Donald Trump, claiming it has done "so much damage and so much destruction" in less than 100 days. The former president's remarks were not just a call to action but also a critique of the spending cuts that threaten the welfare system. He described the current administration's approach as "shooting first and aiming later," emphasizing the reckless nature of the cuts.
As part of Trump's efforts to reduce federal spending, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has proposed cutting approximately 7,000 jobs at the SSA. Despite Trump’s assurances that he would not cut Social Security benefits, the planned job reductions have raised concerns that benefits could be delayed or interrupted. Biden highlighted the chaos already affecting the SSA, where claimants have experienced website crashes and unanswered phone lines. He remarked on the urgency of protecting Social Security, stating, "Social Security deserves to be protected for the good of the nation as a whole."
In a political landscape where Social Security has traditionally been a non-partisan issue, Biden's comments have ignited discussions among lawmakers and advocates alike. Jason Turkish, a Michigan-based lawyer leading one of the largest disability law firms in the country, expressed concern for his clients, stating, "We go from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican and there's always been a belief that Social Security is just something we do not touch." This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among many beneficiaries who fear for the future of their support systems.
On the political front, House Democrats took action by designating April 15 as a national day of action for Social Security, while Senate Democrats launched their first campaign ads of the election cycle targeting Republican incumbents in Maine and North Carolina. This coordinated effort underscores the increasing urgency surrounding Social Security as a pivotal issue in the upcoming elections.
Biden's return to the public eye has been notable since his departure from the presidency. He has made appearances at various events, including receiving a lifetime achievement award from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers last month and attending a Model UN event in New York. His recent attendance at a Passover seder with Delaware’s Governor further highlights his commitment to maintaining a presence in political and social circles.
However, Biden's attempts to re-establish his political relevance have not gone without criticism. His speech in Chicago, while intended to rally support for Social Security, did little to evoke the enthusiasm that marked his earlier campaigns. Many observers noted that his comments about legislation he championed as a senator, quipping about having served "as a United States Senator 400 years ago," seemed to lack the vigor that once captivated audiences.
Moreover, Biden's jabs at Musk’s comments regarding Social Security being a "Ponzi scheme" did not resonate as strongly as he might have hoped. He joked, "By the way, those 300-year-old folks getting that Social Security, I want to meet them. Hell of a thing, man. I’m looking at longevity. Because it’s hell when you turn 40 years old." Such remarks, while humorous, may not have effectively conveyed the gravity of the situation facing millions of beneficiaries.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Biden’s role remains uncertain. While he may desire a comeback, the challenges ahead are formidable. The structural issues facing the Democratic Party and the looming threat to Social Security may require more than nostalgic speeches to galvanize support. With the Republican Party poised to address these issues head-on, Biden's future influence in the political arena will depend on his ability to adapt and respond to the pressing needs of Americans.
In summary, Biden's first speech since leaving office serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggles surrounding Social Security and the potential implications of government cuts. As advocates rally around the issue, the former president's re-emergence into the public discourse highlights the importance of safeguarding the social safety net for millions of Americans.
