Former U.S. President Joe Biden has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s approach to Social Security in his first public speech since leaving office.
Speaking Tuesday at a disability rights conference in Chicago, Biden accused the new administration of inflicting “so much damage and so much destruction” in under 100 days, without directly naming Trump.
“They’ve taken a hatchet to Social Security,” Biden said. “It’s kind of breathtaking.” He described the federal program as a “sacred promise” that deeply affects millions of Americans.
Social Security provides benefits to around 67 million citizens, mainly retirees and those with disabilities. The program distributes roughly $1.6 trillion annually and is widely viewed as a critical support system for many older Americans.
Biden’s remarks came amid growing concern over efforts by the Trump administration to overhaul the system. The president has tapped Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, which has begun cutting jobs at the Social Security Administration,SSA, in a bid to reduce costs. About 7,000 positions are expected to be eliminated.
Musk, a vocal critic of federal welfare programs, has previously labeled Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” Despite assurances from Trump that benefits will not face wholesale cuts, critics say the ongoing downsizing efforts are already threatening the agency’s ability to function effectively.
Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at blocking illegal immigrants and “other ineligible people” from accessing Social Security benefits.
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His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, reaffirmed the administration’s stance, saying the president remains “absolutely certain” about protecting benefits for lawful American citizens and seniors.
“He will always protect that program,” she said.
In contrast, Democratic lawmakers have accused the administration of launching broad attacks on Social Security under the guise of reform. They argue that targeting alleged fraud should not come at the expense of service delivery or legitimate beneficiaries.
The SSA, now led by a Trump appointee, responded to Biden’s comments via a post on X, calling his statements untrue. The agency defended the reforms as necessary steps to increase efficiency and reduce fraudulent claims.
Biden’s speech avoided any reference to his departure from the White House or the 2024 presidential race. However, his sharp tone suggests a growing willingness to reenter political discourse.
Since leaving office, Biden has largely stayed out of the public spotlight. In February, he signed with Creative Artists Agency, the talent firm that previously represented him between 2017 and 2020.
Tuesday’s address marked a clear shift in his post-presidency strategy and signaled strong opposition to ongoing changes to America’s social safety net.
BBC News
