In his first major public address since leaving the White House, former U.S. President Joe Biden launched a scathing attack on the Trump administration’s handling of Social Security, accusing it of inflicting severe damage on the agency.
Speaking at a disability advocacy event in Chicago, Biden condemned plans by the current administration to lay off over 7,000 employees of the Social Security Administration (SSA), shut down field offices, and drastically restructure its operations.
“They’ve taken a hatchet to Social Security,” Biden declared, in a pointed rebuke aimed at both President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, who is reportedly leading a cost-cutting drive in the federal bureaucracy. “This isn’t just mismanagement — it’s a calamity that could leave millions of Americans stranded without the services they depend on.”
Biden also criticized Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for reportedly dismissive remarks about Social Security recipients, saying it reflected a broader disregard for vulnerable Americans.
Though Biden avoided mentioning Trump by name, the message was clear. His remarks signaled a reentry into the political arena and a desire to defend key elements of his legacy — particularly programs aimed at supporting the elderly and disabled.
Democrats have praised the speech as a much-needed voice of opposition, especially as debates over entitlement reforms and federal budget cuts continue to escalate ahead of the 2026 midterms.
