United States: Former US President Joe Biden has delivered a sharp critique of the Trump administration’s welfare cuts, accusing the government of imposing ‘breathtaking’ damage to Social Security in his first public speech since leaving office.
Speaking at a disability rights event in Chicago, Biden refrained from naming Donald Trump directly but condemned actions taken under the new administration, which he said had taken a hatchet to the Social Security system — a vital programme supporting over 67 million Americans.
Biden stated that, “In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much harm and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking.” He described Social Security as a sacred promise, highlighting its importance in the lives of retirees and people with disabilities.
Biden’s remarks come with growing criticism over the Trump administration’s cost-cutting agenda, which has seen major changes to the Social Security Agency (SSA), including a proposed 7,000 job cuts. The cuts are part of an effort spearheaded by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who now leads the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has previously called Social Security ‘the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.’
While the Trump administration maintains it is targeting fraud and illegal claims, critics warn the measures could undermine essential support for millions. Trump signed an executive order barring illegal immigrants and ‘other ineligible people’ from receiving Social Security benefits.
Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, defended the move, saying the president is absolutely certain about protecting benefits for law-abiding tax-paying American citizens and seniors.
The SSA, now under a Trump appointee, pushed back against Biden’s comments. In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), the agency accused the former president of lying in his speech.
Since leaving office, Biden has stayed largely out of the spotlight, only recently signing with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to manage post-presidency engagements. Notably, he did not mention the 2024 election or his future political plans during the event.
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