Biden Criticizes Trump’s Approach to Social Security

Former President Joe Biden took a firm stand Tuesday night (April 16) at the Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled conference in Chicago. Speaking passionately, he criticized Donald Trump’s administration for failing to uphold what he called a “sacred promise”—Social Security.

Trump’s Rapid Executive Actions

Although Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States just a few months ago (January 20, 2025), he’s already made sweeping changes. These include launching the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing Elon Musk as its head, and cutting the federal workforce. His quick and aggressive actions have sparked concern among many.

Biden’s Message to the People

On stage, 82-year-old Biden began with personal reflections. Then, shifting to policy, he zeroed in on what he called a critical issue: Social Security.

“Everyone in this room fights for people with disabilities who rely on Social Security to survive,” he said. “It’s not just physical health—it’s mental health too. This isn’t just a job. It’s a calling.”

A Promise, Not a Program

Biden framed Social Security as more than a government initiative. “It’s a sacred promise we made,” he said. “From their first paycheck, 73 million Americans pay into it, counting on it to be there when they need it most.”

He emphasized his own efforts during his presidency: “We protected Social Security. We made it stronger. We invested nearly $2 billion to improve service and reduce wait times.”

Trump’s Contrasting Vision

By contrast, Biden noted Trump’s executive orders that restrict access to Social Security benefits—particularly for undocumented immigrants.

Without directly naming names, Biden warned: “Some Republican members of Congress want to gut Social Security. They want it to expire every five years unless Congress re-authorizes it. Who the hell do they think they are?”

Calls for Accountability

Biden pressed further. “How do you sleep at night?” he asked, pointing to proposed cuts and the effort to raise the retirement age. “Last time this guy had the job, he raised the debt ceiling to fund massive tax breaks for the wealthy.”

‘Move Fast, Break Things’

He compared today’s politics to tech startup culture: “They’re following the ‘move fast, break things’ mantra. But now, they’re shooting first and aiming later. The result? Needless pain and sleepless nights.”

Final Word

Quoting Governor Ali, Biden concluded: “They want to wreck it so they can rob it.”

Biden ended with resolve: “Not on my watch. I refuse to go along with any of it. Elected officials must make government work for all people. And we must keep our promises.”