In his first address since departing from office, Joe Biden has taken aim at the welfare policies of the Trump administration.
The former US president spoke at a conference in Chicago, criticizing the government for having “taken a hatchet” to Social Security—a system that Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who is heading the White House’s budget-reduction initiatives, claim is riddled with fraud.
The current administration is pushing to reduce the workforce at the agency managing $1.6 trillion (£1.2 trillion) in annual benefits.
Although Biden did not mention Trump by name during his Tuesday address, he remarked: “In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has inflicted so much harm and destruction. It’s quite astounding.”
He characterized Social Security as a “sacred promise” and emphasized, “We understand how vital Social Security is to people’s lives.”
Speaking at an event focused on disability rights, Biden did not touch on his exit from the White House or the 2024 presidential race in his comments.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a foundational income for retired individuals or those unable to work due to disability, serving approximately 67 million Americans, primarily senior citizens.
Democratic leaders have continuously accused the administration of plotting extensive cuts to Social Security.
Members of Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency have been implementing cuts to the agency since February, with plans to reduce 7,000 positions.
Musk has referred to Social Security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”
However, Trump has previously stated that while he aims to address fraudulent claims and payments to illegal immigrants, he does not intend to execute broad benefit cuts.
On Tuesday, he enacted an order that bars illegal immigrants and “other ineligible individuals” from accessing Social Security benefits.
Before Biden’s speech in Chicago, Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters that the president was “absolutely certain” about safeguarding benefits for “law-abiding tax-paying American citizens and seniors.”
“He will always defend that program,” she added.
In a statement on X, the SSA—now under the direction of a Trump appointee—claimed Biden had been “lying” during his address in Chicago.
Since leaving office, Biden has maintained a relatively low profile. In February, he signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a Los Angeles-based talent agency that previously represented him from 2017 to 2020.
