Joseph R. Biden Jr. vigorously defended Social Security during a speech to disability advocates in Chicago on Tuesday, criticizing the Trump administration for its detrimental actions towards the Social Security Administration.
In his first extensive public remarks since his presidency, Mr. Biden accused President Trump of targeting Social Security, causing “damage and destruction” to a program vital to millions of Americans.
“Social Security must be safeguarded for the nation’s benefit,” stated Mr. Biden, who further lamented that Trump officials have adopted a Silicon Valley principle of “move fast and break things” in governmental operations. “They are certainly breaking things. They’re firing before aiming.”
Despite Mr. Trump’s assurances not to cut Social Security benefits for the 73 million Americans enrolled, local offices have been inundated with inquiries from worried citizens concerned about possible changes to their benefits and local Social Security operations.
At these local offices, many employees have opted for buyouts or early retirements as part of the Trump administration’s budget constraints, leading to longer wait times on phone calls and lines. The Social Security Administration has indicated intentions to reduce its workforce significantly.
During his administration, Mr. Biden noted that the Social Security Administration successfully reduced wait times, enhanced antifraud initiatives, and standardized the appeals process for benefits.
“Everything became more efficient and effective,” he remarked, garnering applause from an audience of hundreds of lawyers and advocates for individuals with disabilities.
At 82, Mr. Biden has maintained a relatively understated presence since departing the White House in January. He was spotted at the opening of “Othello” on Broadway, visited a diner in Delaware, and has regularly traveled on Amtrak between his home in Delaware and a post-presidential office in Washington.
Recently, Mr. Biden participated in a Seder with Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, a fellow Democrat, who shared on social media that they “prayed for Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family” following an arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s residence.
Mr. Biden has reached out to several former senior advisers and high-ranking officials from his administration, including Bruce Reed, Steve Ricchetti, Jake Sullivan, Jeff Zients, and Antony J. Blinken, as per sources close to him.
The same core advisors continue to surround him in his post-presidential phase, including Annie Tomasini, who served as deputy chief of staff in the White House, and Anthony Bernal, a senior adviser for Jill Biden.
Mr. Biden has also been in contact with several lawmakers and the new chair of the Democratic National Committee, Ken Martin. Following Martin’s election, he met with Biden at the former president’s Washington offices, where Biden extended his support, according to insiders.
Currently, Mr. Biden is working on a memoir about his presidency after signing with the Creative Arts Agency, which represented him from 2017 to 2020. He has chosen not to contribute to various journalists’ books discussing the 2024 campaign and the conclusion of his presidency.
The speech in Chicago marks the onset of what might be a series of speaking engagements for Mr. Biden. This was a compensated address, and sources indicate he is anticipated to undertake further speaking opportunities in the future.
Since leaving office, Mr. Biden has made other understated public appearances, including receiving an award from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Washington and speaking at the National High School Model United Nations in New York last month.
During his 2020 presidential campaign, Mr. Biden consistently highlighted the threats he believed a second Trump administration posed to the country.
“We can endure four years of Donald Trump,” he stated at the time. “But if he secures eight years in the White House, he will permanently change the character of our nation.”
Currently, many within Mr. Biden’s party blame him for paving the way for a second Trump term.
By remaining committed to seeking re-election and then abruptly withdrawing under pressure from his party due to concerns over aging and health, there was inadequate time for a strong Democratic primary that could have evaluated the party’s deep talent pool.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who ultimately became her party’s nominee thanks to Mr. Biden’s swift endorsement, believes that she could have defeated Mr. Trump if given more time to campaign, according to friends and advisors.
Since her November defeat, Ms. Harris has made a handful of public appearances, while her running mate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, has conducted town halls in Republican-leaning states. He represents one of many ambitious Democrats striving to revitalize a dispirited party.
However, Mr. Biden, who was once among his party’s most sought-after surrogate speakers, is unlikely to be called back to the campaign trail by Democratic candidates aiming to campaign alongside him anytime soon; by the end of his presidency, his approval rating had dropped into the 30s.
