Former President Joe Biden delivered a poignant address on Tuesday, marking one of his first public appearances since leaving the White House. In this nearly 30-minute speech, he issued a fervent critique of the Trump administration for its attempts to undermine Social Security, describing the damage done to the program as “breathtaking” and “devastating.” This marked a significant shift from his previous focus on strengthening the program during his presidency.
In his remarks, Biden refrained from directly mentioning his successor, opting instead for indirect references. He noted, “In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has made so much damage, and it’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon.” His speech highlighted the alarming changes to Social Security and aimed to rally support for protecting this vital program.
Introduced by former Maryland Governor and Social Security Administrator Martin O’Malley, Biden spoke before an audience of approximately 180 attendees at the Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled conference in Chicago. Early in his speech, he expressed his reluctance to delve too deeply into political critiques, stating, “I will not go further and get in trouble,” before pivoting to challenge the current administration’s cuts to Social Security.
During his speech, Biden vehemently opposed any attempts to reduce benefits, stating, “Not on my watch. We refused to go along with any of that.” He criticized previous policies enacted under Trump, particularly the tax cuts that disproportionately favored the wealthy, saying, “Last time this guy had the job, he raised the debt ceiling because of an enormous and profligate tax cut to the super wealthy.”
Biden raised alarms about potential further cuts to Social Security, asserting that the current administration had already laid off thousands of seasoned employees within the program. “They’ve taken a hatchet in Social Security,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgency of protecting this essential safety net for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
In a pointed critique, Biden targeted figures like Trump’s Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and senior adviser Elon Musk. He referenced Lutnick’s dismissive remarks about his 94-year-old mother-in-law's well-being, highlighting the disconnect between the wealthy and those who rely on Social Security. “A Ponzi scheme -- what the hell are they talking about?” Biden exclaimed, referring to rhetoric around Social Security that undermines its legitimacy.
Biden’s speech coincided with a national initiative by Democratic congressional leaders, who declared Tuesday as a Day of Action to protect Social Security. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the importance of opposing Republican efforts to “gut Social Security.” They stated, “Republicans want to slash this critical lifeline by making it harder for seniors and people with disabilities to access their earned benefits.”
As Biden concluded his impassioned address, he urged Americans to unite against the cuts to Social Security and to advocate for its preservation. “Who in the hell do they think they are?” he asked rhetorically, calling for basic decency and respect for the program that serves millions of Americans. The fight to protect Social Security remains a pivotal issue in the current political landscape, with Biden leading the charge for its defense.
