Joe Biden Slams Trump Administration, Accuses It of Undermining Social Security

In his first public address since leaving office, the former U.S. president criticized Trump’s government for threatening one of America’s most vital social programs.

Speaking in Chicago on Tuesday, April 15, Joe Biden delivered a pointed critique of Donald Trump’s administration. The former president accused his successor of dismantling Social Security—a federal program that provides retirement and disability benefits to over 68 million Americans—and violating the social contract between the government and its people.

“They’re hacking away at Social Security”

Biden warned that under Trump’s leadership, the Social Security Administration had already seen the dismissal of 7,000 employees, many of them highly experienced. “They’re hacking away at Social Security,” he said. “Why? To fund massive tax cuts for billionaires.” He called the speed of the changes “breathtaking,” emphasizing the long-term damage that could result from what he called an ideologically driven assault.

Trump hits back—without a word

Biden’s 30-minute speech, laced with humor but occasionally marked by hesitation, was quickly picked up online. Trump, known for mocking Biden’s speaking style, reposted one of the former president’s unfinished anecdotes on his Truth Social platform—this time with no commentary.

The former Democratic leader also took issue with the Trump administration’s appointment of a self-described “anti-fraud expert” to head Social Security. “This isn’t just about checks,” Biden said. “It’s about honoring a deep trust between a government and its citizens. We must protect Social Security—for the good of the nation.”