In his first public address since leaving office, former President Joe Biden launched a sharp attack on the Trump administration’s handling of Social Security, accusing officials of undermining the vital program. Speaking at a Chicago disability rights event, Biden framed Social Security as a “sacred promise” that’s now under threat from aggressive staffing cuts and fraud allegations pushed by Elon Musk’s government efficiency team.
The former president condemned plans to eliminate 7,000 Social Security Administration jobs about 10% of its workforce as part of Musk’s cost-cutting initiative. While avoiding direct mention of Trump, Biden criticized the administration’s approach, stating: “In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breath-taking.”
The speech drew immediate pushback from Trump officials, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisting the president would protect benefits for “law-abiding tax-paying American citizens.” Meanwhile, the SSA’s official account now under Trump appointee leadership accused Biden of “lying” about the program’s status.
The appearance marked Biden’s return to the political spotlight after months of relative quiet since leaving office. Notably, former President Barack Obama also broke his usual silence to criticize the administration’s decision to freeze Harvard University funding over antisemitism policies, calling the move “unlawful and ham-handed.”
The Chicago address highlighted growing Democratic concerns about Republican welfare policies, though Biden avoided direct 2024 campaign rhetoric in his remarks. The former president’s forceful defense of Social Security signals his continued role as a prominent voice opposing Trump administration initiatives.
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