Former President Joe Biden returned to the national stage Monday, giving a speech that warned how President Donald Trump’s agenda threatens the health of Social Security.
Biden spoke at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago, where he defended the mission of the Social Security program.
"Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Regardless of the standard, regardless of their economic situation, regardless of who they are. Making sure that more than 60 million Americans who live with disability are treated with dignity is who we are as Americans. That's what it's about," he said.
Social Security "makes our economy stronger, makes communities stronger, makes families stronger," Biden said. "It gives peace of mind."
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The former president has made a handful of public appearances since leaving office, but the 82-year-old Democrat has largely avoided speaking publicly since leaving the White House in January. Tuesday's appearance marks his highest-profile speech and focuses on a core issue for the Democratic Party.
Democrats have tried to paint a budget bill passed by Republican members of Congress last week as a pathway to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
In "fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage," Biden said. "They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration, pushing an additional 7,000 employees out the door in that time, including the most seasoned career officials."
The cuts threaten to bring about the "first time in history that social security benefits may be delayed or interrupted," Biden warned. "It would be a calamity for millions of families, millions of people."
Republicans have disputed these claims.
“Our goal is to find at least $1.5 trillion in savings for the American people while simultaneously protecting essential programs,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. He dismissed Democratic concerns about severe cuts to Medicaid and Social Security as unfounded, asserting that vital services would remain intact.
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The White House says that it is aiming to reduce improper payments made by Social Security. The Trump administration highlighted a 2024 report that shows Social Security made $72 billion in improper payments.
On Monday, the Social Security Administration enacted changes on how Americans can update their information with the Social Security Administration. Some advocates, however, say the changes could make it more difficult for older Americans to access their benefits.
