CHICAGO — April 15, 2025 — In his first substantial public remarks since leaving office, former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. delivered a scathing critique of the Trump administration, accusing it of gutting the Social Security Administration and endangering millions of Americans who rely on its benefits.

Addressing a crowd of disability advocates and legal professionals in downtown Chicago, Biden didn’t hold back. “They’ve taken a hatchet to Social Security,” he said, referencing the layoffs of thousands of seasoned agency workers. “In just under 100 days, the damage they’ve done is breathtaking.”

Cuts and Consequences

The former president warned that the Trump administration’s aggressive budget-slashing has already led to thousands of staff exits, with more on the horizon. According to Biden, this massive downsizing has slowed down essential services, leaving Americans frustrated with longer wait times and inconsistent service.

“Seventy-three million Americans pay into Social Security from their first paycheck,” Biden emphasized. “They trust that those benefits will be there when they need them. That trust should never be broken.”

A Stark Policy Divide

Biden sharply contrasted his administration’s efforts with those of his successor. He highlighted how, under his leadership, the Social Security Administration became more efficient, streamlined fraud detection, and improved the benefits appeals process.

“It was working. We made it better, faster, fairer,” he said, drawing strong applause from the audience.

Meanwhile, Trump has publicly stated that he won’t reduce benefits, but reality tells a different story. Local Social Security offices have been overwhelmed, with staff shortages causing hours-long phone wait times and crowded lobbies.

A Troubling Philosophy

Biden accused Trump’s team of running the government with a dangerous mindset. “They’ve adopted the Silicon Valley mentality of ‘move fast and break things.’ And yes, they’re breaking things—but they’re not putting them back together,” he said.

He also expressed concern about how this approach undermines institutions built over decades to protect the most vulnerable. “It’s not just reckless. It’s cruel,” Biden remarked.

A Quiet Yet Strategic Post-Presidency

Since stepping down in January, Biden has largely stayed out of the spotlight—until now. He’s been spotted at community events, Broadway shows, and dinners in Delaware and Washington. Behind the scenes, he’s maintained regular contact with former advisers and Democratic officials, including Bruce Reed, Jake Sullivan, and DNC Chair Ken Martin.

Sources say Biden is currently working on a memoir about his presidency and plans to engage more frequently in public speaking. Tuesday’s appearance in Chicago was reportedly a paid engagement and signals a possible new chapter in his post-White House career.

Looking Back—and Forward

Though Biden has avoided the limelight, his return to the stage is timely. The Democratic Party is still grappling with the fallout from the 2024 election. After Biden bowed out of the race late in the game, Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in as the party’s nominee. However, many insiders believe a more robust primary might have given her a better shot against Trump.

Harris, now regrouping after her loss, has been mostly quiet, while her former running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, has taken to the road, holding town halls in conservative-leaning areas in an effort to rebuild Democratic momentum.

Biden, once the party’s chief campaigner, is unlikely to be a regular presence on the trail. His approval ratings were in the 30s at the end of his presidency, and many Democratic candidates may choose to keep their distance.

A Message to the Nation

Still, Biden’s message in Chicago was unmistakable: he’s watching, he’s engaged, and he’s not done fighting for the issues that defined his presidency.

“Social Security isn’t just a program—it’s a promise,” he said. “We kept that promise. Now it’s on all of us to make sure it isn’t broken.”

Table of Contents—Frequencies of Questions

In his address, Joe Biden charged Donald Trump with what?

➡️ Biden charged Trump with seriously harming the Social Security Administration by reducing employment and undercutting services relied upon by millions of Americans.

In the United States, what number of people depend on Social Security?

In the United States, around 73 million Americans depend on Social Security; among them are survivors, disabled individuals, and retirees, as well as others.

During Biden’s presidency, what changes took place with Social Security?

➡️ Biden said his government simplified the appeals process, lowered wait times, and enhanced fraud detection to help Social Security be more effective and easily available.

Has Trump directly cut Social Security benefits?

➡️ Biden and others contend that, although Trump has said he would not cut payments, staff and administrative resources amount to indirect cutbacks by reducing access and response.

Is Biden going to get back into politics? 

➡️Though he intends to remain involved through speaking engagements, a forthcoming biography, and strategic participation with Democratic leadership, Biden is not anticipated to seek government once more.

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