Joe Biden addresses the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference in Chicago. AP
In his first public speech since leaving office, former President Joe Biden criticized Donald Trump and Elon Musk for threatening Social Security. Speaking to the National Conference of Advocates, Counsellors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago, Biden accused the duo of using a “hatchet” to damage the Social Security system, a vital program relied upon by millions of Americans.
Biden, 82, pointed to the administration's actions in its first 100 days, which he claimed have already caused significant harm. He highlighted that Social Security is a "sacred promise" to more than 70 million Americans, including retirees and disabled individuals, who depend on their monthly checks.
Social Security, created by President Franklin Roosevelt almost 90 years ago, has been a consistent source of financial support for generations, even during wartime and recessions. However, Biden expressed concern that this might change under the current administration. "People have always gotten their social security checks," Biden said. "But now for the first time ever, that might change. It’d be a calamity for millions of families."
The NDP's call to action, supported by Democrats across the country, was aimed at preventing the Trump administration from downsizing the Social Security Administration. The president also mentioned cuts to the agency’s workforce and service reductions. The changes have made many beneficiaries anxious, worried that their checks may not arrive on time.
Earlier, Biden joked about Trump’s claim that people born over 100 years ago were still receiving Social Security benefits. "I want to meet them because I’d like to figure out how they live that long," Biden quipped. The comment, which received laughter from the audience, pointed out that the claim stemmed from a technical glitch in the Social Security system. The database includes people with no recorded death date, but this does not mean those individuals are receiving payments.
Despite these criticisms, Trump has denied plans to cut Social Security. He has vowed that his administration will not touch the program, and his allies in Congress have dismissed claims that they support cuts. However, under the Trump administration, there were significant staffing reductions and office closures in the Social Security Administration. Policy changes had already started affecting the program, leaving many Americans nervous about their future payments.
Biden also took aim at Elon Musk’s comments about Social Security. Musk has called it a "Ponzi scheme," and Biden criticized those who dismissed the importance of the program. He referred to comments made by Trump’s commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, who said his 94-year-old mother-in-law wouldn't care if her Social Security check didn’t arrive. "No kidding, her son-in-law is a billionaire," Biden said. "What about the 94-year-old mother living all by herself?"
On the same day, Trump signed an executive order titled "Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits." This order focuses on ensuring that undocumented immigrants, who are already ineligible for Social Security benefits, do not gain access to them.
In his speech, Biden also reflected on the division within the country and stressed the need for unity. He urged Americans to remember the core values of fairness and equality that the country was built upon. Biden’s remarks came as a reminder of how deep the political divide has become, particularly as the nation faces issues like Social Security.
