CHICAGO — A Strong Rebuke from Former President Biden on Social Security Cuts
In his inaugural public address since stepping down from the presidency, former President Joe Biden took a sharp aim at the Trump administration’s attempts to cut Social Security funding, all while deftly sidestepping any mention of the current administration.
“In fewer than 100 days, this administration has caused so much damage and destruction. It’s breathtaking,” Biden declared to a crowd of around 200 attendees at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference on Tuesday. “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration.”
Biden criticized the Trump administration for slashing thousands of jobs at the federal agency, arguing that these cuts have severely compromised services and jeopardized benefits for approximately 73 million seniors who depend on this vital financial assistance program.
“They’re shooting first and aiming later,” he quipped, highlighting the resultant “needless pain and sleepless nights” inflicted on those relying on Social Security.
Throughout his roughly 30-minute speech, Biden’s signature style emerged, peppered with familiar phrases like “folks” and “I mean it sincerely.” He recounted anecdotes from his childhood in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the struggles of his parents to make ends meet, weaving in reflections from his long tenure on Capitol Hill.
The timing of Biden’s remarks coincided with the “Social Security Day of Action,” a mobilization organized by advocates who describe the threats to the program under the Trump administration as severe. As Biden gradually reenters the public sphere, there’s a palpable sense of urgency among his allies, especially with multiple books set to delve into his mental and physical state before he exited the 2024 presidential race amidst a swirl of criticism.
The venue for Biden’s speech was not without significance, located just blocks from a high-profile fundraiser held last year before he withdrew from the presidential race. The crux of his address centered on the assertion that the Trump administration poses a dire threat to Social Security.
“Social Security is more than a government program; it’s a sacred promise,” he asserted passionately.
The White House’s reaction to Biden’s address? A spokesperson labeled it “embarrassing,” directing POLITICO to the Social Security feed on X, which accused Biden of “lying to Americans.”
Two former administration officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that while Biden is keen to remain engaged, his speech in Chicago shouldn’t necessarily signal a more aggressive public schedule. Instead, he is expected to focus on specific issues close to his heart, like Social Security. In recent engagements, he has connected with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, even accepting honorary membership, and made a surprise visit to students at a Model United Nations conference.
“Coming out with a big democracy, rule of law speech would have been, maybe, too on the nose,” noted a third former Biden administration official. “So picking Social Security, something that resonates with people, and that matters to him, makes a lot of sense. No one would be talking about Social Security tomorrow if Joe Biden wasn’t giving this speech, which underscores his ability to command attention and set the agenda.”
Additionally, Biden is reportedly working on another book, furthering his ongoing narrative. Speaking to reporters, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized, “The unprecedented assault on Social Security is an all-hands-on-deck moment that requires all of us to show up, stand up, and speak up, which is why President Biden’s voice in this fight is going to be so incredibly important.”
Former Democratic Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, who introduced Biden at the event, remarked that he felt the timing for Biden’s significant speech was “appropriate” (almost) 100 days post-presidency. Former Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow also underscored the necessity of Biden speaking out on current events in Washington, despite lingering hard feelings among some Democrats regarding his extended candidacy last year.
Earlier, David Hogg, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, characterized Biden’s return to public life as a normal progression for former presidents eager to share their insights. “He’s not gonna stop being involved. He is a workhorse and he wants to get things done and he wants to help with the party,” Hogg stated.
Despite leaving office with waning approval ratings and facing criticism from some Democrats who attributed party losses in November to his prolonged presidential campaign, Hogg countered, “Somebody can be very good at legislating, but not necessarily the right person to be out there on the front and center of things.”
Biden is not alone in re-entering the public sphere. His predecessor, President Barack Obama, also took to social media recently to criticize the Trump administration’s funding freeze for Harvard University. On the same day as Biden’s Chicago speech, Justin Trudeau, who had recently resigned as Canada’s prime minister, resurfaced with a scheduled exit interview on a PBS station in Buffalo.
Canada currently faces a snap election, and the electorate seems to have largely moved on from the three-term Liberal leader who had been deeply unpopular at the time of his departure. As with Biden, Canadian Liberals may not be particularly eager to see Trudeau back in the spotlight.
In a taped interview with broadcaster Valerie Pringle for “Canada Files”, Trudeau was asked, “How are you feeling?” to which he cheerfully replied, “Really good. I’m feeling serene about everything that I got done. I think I had a good run.”
Sue Allan and Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.
