Former US President Joe Biden gave his first major speech since leaving office, defending President Donald Trump’s retirement assistance, saying he is being threatened by radical administrative reforms.
Speaking to Chicago’s disability supporters, Biden said the Trump administration’s cuts to federal workforce are being led by billionaire ally Elon Musk’s government efficiency (DOGE) and causing “breathtaking” levels of destruction.
“Within 100 days, this administration has caused so much damage and so much destruction, and it’s breathtaking that happens quickly,” Biden said.
“They had a hand at Social Security and kicked 7,000 employees out the door,” the former president said.
The 82-year-old Democrat spoke for about 30 minutes, sometimes showing signs of aging, and began abandoning last year’s reelection campaign.
Trump highlighted Biden’s verbal mistakes.
The Social Security Agency (SSA) responded to Biden’s claims, accusing the agency of “lying” in its X post.
Former President Joe Biden is lying to Americans.
This is the truth:
1️⃣Chief President Trump has repeatedly pledged to protect Social Security and secure luxury housing wages for the elderly by ending taxes on Social Security benefits.
– Social Security (@socialsecurity) April 15, 2025
Created in 1935 by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the SSA pays $1.4 trillion in benefits to 73 million seniors a year, and pays US citizens annually to disabled people. During Trump’s campaign, he repeatedly promised not to cut these profits.
However, members of the Doge team are auditing agents that Musk has denounced as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” Doge plans to cut at least 7,000 staff and close the office.
Meanwhile, Social Security recipients complain about the long call waiting times, and the agency’s profit portal is suffering from an increase in suspension.
“People can’t sign on to their accounts,” Biden said at his address. “Who do you think they are?” he said of the Trump administration.
Individuals eligible for supplementary security income, including elderly people with disabilities, low-income adults and children, also reported receiving messages informing them that they were not receiving benefits.
“They shoot first and then they aim later,” Biden insisted. “They want to destroy it so they can take it. Why do they want to steal it? To give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations.”
“Distracting Trump”
Some Democrats have been unsure about Biden’s speech and have said he might not re-enter the political battle.
Democrat strategist Karen Finney said many Democrats are concerned that Biden’s appearance will distract him from the political and economic blows.
“We’re finally beginning to see cracks in the armor when it comes to Trump’s policies,” Finney said. “You don’t want to be a lightning bolt that distracts you from Trump, and that makes it easy for Trump to easily change Biden subjects.”
According to Reuters/Ipsos’ opinion, Biden resigned in January at 38%, one of the president’s lowest approved ratings after World War II. Many Democrats blamed him for Trump’s victory.
Presidential historian Timothy Naftali said it was important for Biden to talk about social security.
“I understand why some Democrats want Biden to disappear,” Naftali said. “But a very important part of the democratic base remains senior citizens in Social Security, and Joe Biden has always been their champion.”