Former US president Joe Biden has criticised Donald Trump’s sweeping government changes, accusing his successor of endangering the retirement security of millions of Americans, reports RTE.
In his first major public address since leaving office, Mr Biden spoke to a gathering of disability rights advocates in Chicago, re-entering the national spotlight.
His remarks came amid significant federal job cuts carried out by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech billionaire Elon Musk under the Trump administration, reports RTE.
Biden claimed the Trump team had “taken a hatchet” to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
“This new administration has caused immense harm and destruction,” he said, stressing that Social Security is “more than just a government programme,” reports RTE.
“It’s a sacred commitment we’ve made as a country. We all understand how vital Social Security is to people’s well-being.”
The SSA distributes $1.4 trillion in benefits each year to 73 million elderly and disabled Americans. Despite Trump’s repeated campaign assurances that Social Security would remain untouched, current reforms suggest otherwise, reports RTE.
DOGE operatives have been working within the SSA since February, with plans to slash at least 7,000 jobs and close field offices. These developments have raised concerns over longer wait times, service delays, and benefit disruptions.
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In March, a federal judge found that the SSA likely breached privacy laws by giving Musk’s team unrestricted access to sensitive data belonging to millions of Americans. The court issued a temporary halt to further data-sharing, and the case remains ongoing, reports RTE.
Ahead of Biden’s speech, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told the press: “President Trump is fully committed to protecting Social Security for law-abiding, tax-paying citizens and seniors who have contributed to the system. He will always safeguard that programme.”
Significant staff reductions within SSA’s IT departments have reportedly caused increased system outages. Biden referenced recent issues with the agency’s online services, reports RTE.
“People can’t even access their accounts,” he said. “Who in the hell do they think they are?” he added, in a scathing attack on the Trump administration, reports RTE.
Some Democrats expressed concerns over Biden’s re-emergence, worrying it could divert attention from Trump’s political vulnerabilities, such as backlash over his escalating trade war with China and new tariffs.
“We’re finally seeing signs that Trump’s policies are beginning to crack,” said Democratic strategist Karen Finney. “You don’t want Biden becoming a distraction. That could give Trump an excuse to shift the narrative,” reports RTE.
At 82, Mr Biden withdrew from the presidential race last July after a poor debate showing against Trump. His vice president, Kamala Harris, went on to lose the November election.
Mr Biden departed office in January with just a 38% approval rating, one of the lowest among post-WWII presidents, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. His tenure was marked by high inflation and ongoing concerns about his cognitive abilities.
Many in the Democratic Party hold Biden partly responsible for Trump’s return to power, reports RTE.
Nevertheless, presidential historian Timothy Naftali believes Biden’s voice still matters—especially on issues like Social Security.
“Some Democrats may wish Biden would quietly step aside,” Naftali said. “But older Americans reliant on Social Security remain a core part of the Democratic base, and Joe Biden has always stood with them,” reports RTE.
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