In a pointed address, Biden highlighted the potential dangers to Social Security and its implications for millions of Americans.
Biden Slams Trump Administration's Social Security Policies in Chicago Speech
Biden Slams Trump Administration's Social Security Policies in Chicago Speech
The former president criticizes the perceived harm to welfare programs in his first public address since leaving office.
Former President Joe Biden delivered a fervent critique of the Trump administration's welfare policies during his first public address since leaving office, speaking at a disability rights conference in Chicago. While refraining from mentioning Trump directly, Biden condemned the administration for its aggressive cuts to Social Security, claiming they have “taken a hatchet” to a vital program that provides financial assistance to millions of retirees and individuals unable to work due to disabilities.
Biden's remarks came as the current administration, led by Trump appointees including Elon Musk, pushes significant reductions within the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA disburses approximately $1.6 trillion annually in benefits to about 67 million Americans, mainly seniors. Biden characterized Social Security as a “sacred promise” and emphasized its importance, stating, “We know just how much social security matters to people's lives.”
The speech surfaced concerns that the Trump administration is preparing to cut 7,000 jobs within the SSA, a move that critics argue could adversely affect the program. Musk has previously described Social Security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” indicating a stark philosophical divide on the issue.
While Trump has assured that he will target fraudulent claims without making sweeping cuts, recent actions such as an executive order to prevent illegal immigrants from securing benefits signal ongoing tension. Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed the former president's commitment to protect benefits for law-abiding citizens, stating he will always look out for those who contribute to the system.
In response to Biden's comments, the SSA, now under a Trump appointee, accused him of dishonesty, capturing the escalating battlefield over Social Security. Since leaving the White House, Biden has remained mostly out of the public eye, recently signing with Creative Artists Agency to manage his post-presidency engagements. As the narrative around Social Security unfolds, Biden's emphasis on the potential negative consequences of Trump’s policies highlights a broader struggle over the future of welfare and support programs in the United States.
