Former U.S. President Joe Biden has launched a sharp critique of Donald Trump's administration, accusing it of gutting essential government services and putting the retirement security of millions of Americans at risk.
Speaking to a gathering of disability rights advocates in Chicago, Biden warned that the Trump administration’s sweeping changes to the federal government — led by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under tech billionaire Elon Musk — are threatening Social Security, a cornerstone program supporting the elderly and disabled.
Adding to the controversy, a federal judge ruled in March that the SSA may have breached privacy laws by granting Musk’s aides access to sensitive data on millions of Americans. A temporary injunction was issued to halt further data-sharing, with the case still ongoing.
Despite earlier promises from Trump that Social Security would remain untouched, Biden expressed outrage at the changes.
Some Democrats are uneasy about Biden returning to the spotlight. Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist, suggested that Biden’s public reappearance could shift focus away from controversies currently surrounding the Trump administration, such as a trade war with China and new international tariffs.
Presidential historian Timothy Naftali defended Biden’s decision to speak out.
As political tension intensifies, the battle over Social Security is set to become a major issue in the national conversation once again.
Speaking to a gathering of disability rights advocates in Chicago, Biden warned that the Trump administration’s sweeping changes to the federal government — led by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under tech billionaire Elon Musk — are threatening Social Security, a cornerstone program supporting the elderly and disabled.
Social Security Under Pressure
The Social Security Administration (SSA) disburses $1.4 trillion annually to over 73 million beneficiaries, yet under the Trump-led changes, the agency is facing deep staffing cuts, office closures, and digital service disruptions. DOGE leadership has reportedly targeted the elimination of at least 7,000 jobs, stoking fears of longer wait times and reduced access to benefits.Adding to the controversy, a federal judge ruled in March that the SSA may have breached privacy laws by granting Musk’s aides access to sensitive data on millions of Americans. A temporary injunction was issued to halt further data-sharing, with the case still ongoing.
Despite earlier promises from Trump that Social Security would remain untouched, Biden expressed outrage at the changes.
Political Backlash and Democratic Caution
Biden’s speech marks his first major political re-entry since stepping down in January following a difficult term marred by economic turmoil, high inflation, and persistent questions about his age and fitness. He withdrew from the 2024 election following a poor debate performance and was succeeded on the Democratic ticket by Kamala Harris, who went on to lose to Trump in November.Some Democrats are uneasy about Biden returning to the spotlight. Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist, suggested that Biden’s public reappearance could shift focus away from controversies currently surrounding the Trump administration, such as a trade war with China and new international tariffs.
A Voice for Older Americans
Despite his low post-presidency approval rating—just 38%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll—Biden remains a key voice among older Americans and Social Security recipients.Presidential historian Timothy Naftali defended Biden’s decision to speak out.
Before Biden’s address, Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted the President remains committed to protecting Social Security for “law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens.”
As political tension intensifies, the battle over Social Security is set to become a major issue in the national conversation once again.
