Biden Criticizes Trump’s Social Security Administration Cuts

  • Biden condemns staff reductions at the Social Security Administration initiated by Trump.
  • The former US president returns to the political arena after his departure from office.
  • Some Democrats express reservations regarding Biden’s renewed presence.

Joe Biden, the former Democratic President, delivered his first significant address since leaving the White House in January. He defended the Social Security Administration (SSA) amidst staff cuts and office closures implemented by the Trump administration.

Speaking in Chicago to advocates for the disabled, Biden’s address signaled his return to the forefront of American politics. The Department of Government Efficiency, under the leadership of Elon Musk, is enacting substantial reductions in the federal workforce.

Biden stated that the Trump administration has “taken a hatchet” to the agency.

He criticized the Trump administration for causing “so much damage and so much destruction,” emphasizing that Social Security is “more than a government program.”

“It’s a solemn commitment we made as a nation. We recognize the profound importance of Social Security in people’s lives.”

The SSA disburses $1.4 trillion in benefits to 73 million elderly and disabled Americans annually. Throughout his campaign, Trump consistently vowed not to alter Social Security benefits.

Since February, members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been present within the agency, with leadership committed to cutting at least 7,000 staff and closing offices. This has raised concerns about longer wait times, extended lines, and disruptions in benefits.

In March, a federal judge suggested that the SSA likely infringed upon privacy laws by granting Musk’s aides “unfettered access” to the data of millions of Americans within the agency’s networks. The judge ordered a temporary halt to further record-sharing, and the case remains ongoing.

Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated before Biden’s speech that President Trump is dedicated to safeguarding Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have contributed to the program.

Many layoffs and resignations have occurred within the agency’s IT departments. Biden also highlighted the recent increase in computer system failures.

Biden noted that people are unable to access their accounts, questioning the intentions of the Trump administration.

Some Democrats voiced concerns about Biden’s speech, suggesting it might be preferable for him to remain outside the political sphere.

Democratic strategist Karen Finney noted that many Democrats worry that Biden’s reappearance will divert attention from the political and economic backlash Trump is facing due to his trade war with China and tariffs on other nations.

Finney stated that they are finally witnessing vulnerabilities in Trump’s policies and that becoming a distraction from Trump should be avoided, as it could allow Trump to shift the focus to Biden.

Biden, 82, withdrew from his reelection campaign the previous July following a subpar debate performance against Trump. Subsequently, his vice president, Kamala Harris, was defeated in the November election.

Biden left office in January with one of the lowest approval ratings for a post-World War Two president, at 38%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. His four-year term was characterized by high inflation and doubts regarding his mental sharpness. Many Democrats attributed Trump’s victory to him.

Presidential historian Timothy Naftali emphasized the significance of Biden speaking out about Social Security, specifically because of his age.

Naftali understands why some Democrats would prefer Biden to fade away. However, he noted that older individuals relying on Social Security remain a crucial part of the Democratic base, and Joe Biden has consistently championed their cause.