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Biden Slams Trump Over Social Security Cuts in First Major Speech
Joe Biden breaks silence, slams Trump’s “hatchet job” on Social Security, warning retirees are being left behind.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-16
Biden Slams Trump Over Social Security Cuts in First Major Speech

Former U.S. President Joe Biden launched a sharp critique of Donald Trump’s administration, accusing his successor of gutting the Social Security system and putting millions of Americans at risk.

Speaking in Chicago at a conference of disability advocates on Tuesday, the 82-year-old Democrat condemned what he called a “hatchet job” on government services.

“Fewer than 100 days, this administration has done so much damage, and so much destruction — it’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden said, targeting Trump’s rapid bureaucratic overhaul.

Biden specifically cited the Social Security Administration, claiming the Trump administration had forced 7,000 employees out, crippling the agency’s ability to serve retirees and disabled citizens.

“The website is crashing. People can’t get the help they need,” he warned.

He also criticized the Trump-era Department of Government Efficiency, reportedly backed by billionaire Elon Musk, as an excuse to dismantle public services under the guise of cost-cutting.

The Social Security programme, which supports over 65 million Americans, remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in Washington.

“Many people literally count on Social Security to buy food, just to get by,” Biden emphasized. “If it were cut or taken away, it would be devastating — devastating for millions of people.”

Biden also took aim at Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a former hedge fund manager, who recently downplayed concerns over benefit disruptions by saying only "fraudsters" would complain about missing checks.

“What about the 94-year-old mother living all by herself — who doesn’t have a billionaire in the family?” Biden asked.

Though Biden’s delivery at times showed signs of age — stumbling over phrases and trailing off mid-sentence — his message was clear: the Trump administration’s reforms are harming the most vulnerable.

Trump responded by posting a video on social media of Biden rambling during one of his anecdotes, without comment — a move widely seen as a jab at the former president’s age and speaking style.

The speech also marks a shift in tone for Biden, who withdrew from the 2024 presidential race citing age-related concerns and has since largely stayed out of the political spotlight.

But as the Trump administration accelerates changes across government agencies, Biden’s return signals a readiness to speak out, especially on issues close to his legacy.

 
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