Biden's remarks highlight ongoing tensions regarding Social Security amid Trump's recent administration actions.
Biden Critiques Trump's Welfare Policies in First Post-Presidency Speech
Biden Critiques Trump's Welfare Policies in First Post-Presidency Speech
The former president denounces Social Security cuts at a Chicago event.
In his inaugural speech since exiting the White House, Joe Biden leveled sharp critiques at the policies of Donald Trump, particularly concerning welfare reforms. Speaking at a conference in Chicago, the former president claimed that the Trump administration has severely undermined Social Security, suggesting they “took a hatchet” to the program. His remarks come in light of statements from Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk, who have labeled the system as riddled with fraud.
Despite not mentioning Trump directly, Biden emphasized the devastating impact of the current administration's rapid changes within just 100 days, describing it as “breathtaking.” He labeled Social Security a "sacred promise" that is vital to Americans’ livelihoods, especially for the elderly and those with disabilities dependent on the system.
Biden's address took place during a disability rights-focused event, and he refrained from discussing his own departure from the presidency or his potential candidacy in the upcoming 2024 election. The Social Security Administration (SSA), which is responsible for distributing over $1.6 trillion in benefits each year, has been undergoing significant staffing reductions under Musk’s oversight, with aims to remove 7,000 jobs since February.
Musk has referred to Social Security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” although Trump previously indicated he will address fraudulent claims without imposing wholesale cuts to benefits. Recently, Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing ineligible individuals, including illegal immigrants, from accessing Social Security benefits. His press secretary reassured that Trump remains committed to safeguarding the program for “law-abiding tax-paying American citizens and seniors.”
In contrast, the SSA, now under Trump’s appointee, accused Biden of spreading misinformation in his speech. Since leaving the Oval Office, Biden has largely stepped back from the public spotlight but continues to engage with significant political issues, including those affecting vulnerable populations in America.
Despite not mentioning Trump directly, Biden emphasized the devastating impact of the current administration's rapid changes within just 100 days, describing it as “breathtaking.” He labeled Social Security a "sacred promise" that is vital to Americans’ livelihoods, especially for the elderly and those with disabilities dependent on the system.
Biden's address took place during a disability rights-focused event, and he refrained from discussing his own departure from the presidency or his potential candidacy in the upcoming 2024 election. The Social Security Administration (SSA), which is responsible for distributing over $1.6 trillion in benefits each year, has been undergoing significant staffing reductions under Musk’s oversight, with aims to remove 7,000 jobs since February.
Musk has referred to Social Security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” although Trump previously indicated he will address fraudulent claims without imposing wholesale cuts to benefits. Recently, Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing ineligible individuals, including illegal immigrants, from accessing Social Security benefits. His press secretary reassured that Trump remains committed to safeguarding the program for “law-abiding tax-paying American citizens and seniors.”
In contrast, the SSA, now under Trump’s appointee, accused Biden of spreading misinformation in his speech. Since leaving the Oval Office, Biden has largely stepped back from the public spotlight but continues to engage with significant political issues, including those affecting vulnerable populations in America.
