Biden Attacks Trump in First Speech Since Leaving White House
In his first public address since leaving the White House, former President Joe Biden delivered a pointed critique of the Trump administration's welfare policies during a conference in Chicago. Biden's remarks focused on the government's approach to social security, which he described as having been severely undermined by the current administration.
Biden accused the Trump administration of "taking a hatchet" to the social security system, which provides essential benefits to millions of Americans. He highlighted the administration's plans to cut staff at the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is responsible for distributing approximately $1.6 trillion in benefits annually. The cuts, which aim to reduce the agency's workforce by about 10%, have raised concerns among Democratic politicians who fear sweeping reductions in social security benefits.
While Biden did not mention Trump by name, he expressed his dismay at the rapid changes implemented by the new administration, stating, "In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It's kind of breathtaking." He emphasized the importance of social security, calling it a "sacred promise" that significantly impacts people's lives.
Biden's speech took place at a disability rights event, where he underscored the critical role of social security for individuals who are retired or unable to work due to disabilities. The program currently supports around 67 million Americans, primarily older citizens.
The Trump administration, led by figures like Elon Musk, has been vocal about its intentions to reform the SSA, with Musk labeling social security as "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time." Trump has previously stated that his focus would be on targeting fraudulent claims and payments to illegal immigrants rather than implementing broad cuts to benefits. Recently, he signed an order aimed at preventing illegal immigrants and "other ineligible people" from receiving social security payments.
In response to Biden's speech, Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, asserted that the former president is committed to protecting benefits for "law-abiding tax-paying American citizens and seniors." She emphasized that Trump would always safeguard the social security program.
Following Biden's remarks, the SSA, now under the control of a Trump appointee, accused him of "lying" during his speech. This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the two administrations regarding social welfare policies.
Since leaving office, Biden has maintained a relatively low profile, recently signing with Creative Artists Agency, which previously represented him from 2017 to 2020. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama also weighed in on the political landscape, criticizing the Trump administration's decision to freeze over $2 billion in federal funds for Harvard University, calling it "unlawful and ham-handed." This freeze is linked to Harvard's refusal to alter its hiring, admissions, and teaching practices, which Trump claims are necessary to combat alleged antisemitism on campus.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Biden's speech marks a significant moment in his post-presidency, signaling his willingness to engage in the ongoing debates surrounding social security and welfare policies.
