Joe Biden emerged from post-presidency silence in Chicago to criticize Trump’s Social Security policies, declaring “30 percent of Americans have no heart” while receiving a disability advocacy award.
At a Glance
- Biden gave his first public speech since leaving office at a Chicago disability advocates conference
- He received the “Beacon of Hope” award while criticizing Trump’s administration for “taking a hatchet” to Social Security
- Biden claimed “roughly 30 percent” of Americans lack compassion due to supporting Trump’s agenda
- He highlighted his co-sponsorship of the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act
- The former president avoided directly naming Trump, instead referring to him as “this guy”
Biden’s Return to the Public Eye
Former President Joe Biden, 82, made his first public appearance since leaving the White House at a disability rights conference in Chicago, where he received the “Beacon of Hope” award from Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled. Speaking about the importance of disability rights and Social Security, Biden wasted no time criticizing the current administration’s policies. The former president, who co-sponsored the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act, emphasized the need to protect what he called a “sacred promise” to Americans, particularly the 60 million who live with disabilities.
Biden’s speech marked his return to the national spotlight after remaining largely out of public view since leaving office. Reports suggest that both Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, are eager to return to politics and help the Democratic Party regain support, despite some party members expressing reservations about his reemergence. The Chicago event provided Biden with a platform to address issues he championed during his presidency while simultaneously launching critiques at his successor’s policies.
Criticism of Trump’s Social Security Policies
Biden didn’t mince words when discussing what he views as threats to Social Security under the current administration. While avoiding directly naming former President Trump, instead referring to him as “this guy,” Biden accused the administration of causing significant damage to the Social Security Administration through staff cuts and policy changes. He described the administration’s actions as “taking a hatchet” to an essential government program that millions of Americans depend on for their livelihood.
“In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking it can happen that soon. They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration.” – Joe Biden.
The former president specifically targeted Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” claiming it has created unnecessary difficulties for Social Security beneficiaries. Biden also mocked claims about implausibly old people collecting payments, saying, “By the way, those 300-year-old folk getting that Social Security, I want to meet them. Hell of a thing, man. I’m looking for longevity.” He rejected characterizations of Social Security as a “Ponzi scheme,” declaring, “People earn these benefits. They paid into that benefit. They rely on that benefit.”
Controversial Remarks and Republican Response
Perhaps the most controversial moment in Biden’s speech came when he suggested that “roughly 30 percent” of Americans lack compassion due to their support for Trump’s agenda. This comment, along with others during his address, quickly drew criticism from Republican officials. Karoline Leavitt, speaking on behalf of the Trump administration, defended the president’s position on Social Security, stating that Trump is “absolutely certain about protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program.”
“President Trump has repeatedly promised to protect Social Security and ensure higher take-home pay for seniors by ending the taxation of Social Security benefits. Anybody saying otherwise is either stupid or an all-out liar, or both in Biden’s case.” – Steven Cheung.
Biden’s speech also included a reference to seeing “colored kids” on buses during his childhood in Scranton, Pennsylvania, language that raised eyebrows among some listeners. The former president’s appearance came amid reports of concerns among Democrats about his cognitive abilities during the 2024 campaign, with some party members privately expressing relief that he is no longer in office while publicly praising his legacy on disability rights and other social issues.
Biden’s Legacy and Future Role
As Biden steps back into public life, questions remain about his future role in American politics. While he has not ruled out another run for office and remains constitutionally eligible to serve another term as president, many political observers see his Chicago speech as more about cementing his legacy on disability rights and Social Security rather than positioning for another campaign. Martin O’Malley, who served as Social Security administrator under Biden, praised the former president’s commitment to these issues while criticizing the current administration for undoing progress made during Biden’s term.
“Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. That means making sure that more than 60 million Americans who live with disabilities are treated with dignity. That is who we are as Americans.” – Joe Biden.
Biden’s appearance in Chicago demonstrates that even in post-presidency, he remains committed to the issues that defined his political career, particularly disability rights and Social Security protection. Whether his criticisms of the current administration will have any significant impact on policy or public opinion remains to be seen, but his continued advocacy ensures that these issues remain part of the national conversation as Americans look toward future elections.
