Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty
Joe Biden didn’t hold back in his first public speech since stepping down as president.
He slammed Donald Trump’s administration and Elon Musk for what he called a brutal dismantling of Social Security.
He spoke at a disability rights conference in Chicago on April 15.
Biden targeted the changes being pushed by the current administration.
He accused them of gutting the benefits program.
He said they were breaking what he called “a sacred promise” to the American people.
“In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking,” Biden said, according to BBC News.
He didn’t mention Trump by name but made it clear who he meant, calling him “this guy” or “these guys.”
“We can’t go on like this as a divided nation,” Biden told the crowd.
He said the country is more divided than ever in his long career.
“Granted, it’s roughly 30 percent, but it’s a 30 percent that has no heart,” he added.
The event marked Biden’s return to the public eye since leaving office in January.
He spoke in a quiet, sometimes hushed voice, reflecting on his family and childhood.
Then he shifted to the core of his message—Social Security.
He described it not as just “a government program,” but “a sacred promise we made.”
“Seventy-three million Americans receive Social Security,” Biden said.
“From their first paycheck, they pay into it their entire lives. In return, they count on Social Security to be there when they need it.”
“Folks, we must never betray that trust or turn our backs on that obligation,” he added.
“That’s why during my presidency, we protected Social Security and made it stronger.”
Biden also criticized Trump’s allies.
He took aim at Musk’s efforts through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
With sarcasm, he said, “Those 300-year-old folks getting Social Security—I’d like to meet them.”
“Helluva thing, man. I’m looking for longevity. Because it is hell when you turn 40.”
Musk, now leading the administration’s cost-cutting efforts, called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”
Under Trump’s leadership, the agency has started cutting 7,000 jobs.
They claim they are targeting fraudulent payments and benefits going to “ineligible” people, including undocumented immigrants.
Trump recently signed an executive order blocking illegal immigrants from receiving Social Security.
His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said he is “absolutely certain” about protecting benefits for “law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors.”
She added, “He will always protect that program.”
The Social Security Administration, now led by a Trump appointee, publicly rebuked Biden’s speech.
They posted on X, “Former President Joe Biden is lying to Americans.”
White House spokesperson Steven Cheung fired back, calling Biden’s speech “incoherent” and claiming he had a “feeble mind.”
“President Trump has repeatedly promised to protect Social Security,” Cheung said, according to NBC News.
He added Trump would ensure higher take-home pay for seniors by ending taxation on Social Security benefits.
“Anybody saying otherwise is either stupid or an all-out liar, or both in Biden’s case,” he said.
In his speech, Biden defended the integrity of Social Security.
He pushed back against claims of widespread fraud.
“A Ponzi scheme—what the hell are they talking about?” he said.
“People earn these benefits. They paid into that benefit. They rely on that benefit. And no one, no one, no one should take it away.”
He also slammed a Republican proposal to reauthorize Social Security every five years.
“Who the hell do they think they are?” he asked.
Biden ended with a warning and a vow.
“They’re certainly breaking things. They’re shooting first and aiming later. The result is a lot of needless pain and sleepless nights,” he said.
Quoting Governor Ali, he added, “They want to wreck it so they can rob it.”
Biden said he would not support any effort to reduce benefits.
“I refuse to go along with any of it,” he said.
“One of the most important jobs of any elected official is to make sure the government works for the people, works for all the people. And that we keep our promises to the people—all the people.”
