Biden highlights the impact of welfare policies during first public address since leaving the White House
Biden Critiques Trump Administration in Chicago Speech
Biden Critiques Trump Administration in Chicago Speech
Former President Takes Aim at Social Security Cuts
In his first public speech since departing the Oval Office, Joe Biden delivered a robust critique of the welfare policies under the Trump administration, particularly focusing on social security reforms. Speaking at a disability rights conference in Chicago, Biden claimed that Trump's team has "taken a hatchet" to the social security system, characterized by Donald Trump and White House economic advisor Elon Musk as rife with fraud. Trump's administration has embarked on significant cost-cutting measures that aim to reduce staff at the Social Security Administration (SSA), which disburses an annual $1.6 trillion in benefits. Without directly naming Trump, Biden expressed concern over the administration’s recent actions, stating, "In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It's kind of breathtaking."
Biden, while emphasizing that social security is a "sacred promise," acknowledged its importance for millions, especially the elderly and those unable to work. He did not touch on his recent exit from the presidency or the looming 2024 election during his speech. The SSA, serving approximately 67 million Americans, has faced proposed job cuts of around 10% under Musk’s guidance, prompting severe backlash from Democratic leaders, who argue that such moves threaten the safety net for vulnerable citizens. In related events, Trump took actions to combat fraudulent claims while insisting that he is committed to safeguarding benefits for "law-abiding tax-paying American citizens and seniors." Meanwhile, Biden's recent speech drew rebuttal from the SSA, which has been freshly appointed under Trump, accusing the former president of fabricating facts.
Twists in political narratives were also seen as former President Barack Obama rebuked Trump on social media for freezing over $2 billion in federal funding for Harvard University, branding the move as "unlawful and ham-handed." As Biden re-establishes his public profile, he has remained relatively low-key since leaving office but signed on with Creative Artists Agency, hinting at a potential new chapter in his post-presidential life.
Biden, while emphasizing that social security is a "sacred promise," acknowledged its importance for millions, especially the elderly and those unable to work. He did not touch on his recent exit from the presidency or the looming 2024 election during his speech. The SSA, serving approximately 67 million Americans, has faced proposed job cuts of around 10% under Musk’s guidance, prompting severe backlash from Democratic leaders, who argue that such moves threaten the safety net for vulnerable citizens. In related events, Trump took actions to combat fraudulent claims while insisting that he is committed to safeguarding benefits for "law-abiding tax-paying American citizens and seniors." Meanwhile, Biden's recent speech drew rebuttal from the SSA, which has been freshly appointed under Trump, accusing the former president of fabricating facts.
Twists in political narratives were also seen as former President Barack Obama rebuked Trump on social media for freezing over $2 billion in federal funding for Harvard University, branding the move as "unlawful and ham-handed." As Biden re-establishes his public profile, he has remained relatively low-key since leaving office but signed on with Creative Artists Agency, hinting at a potential new chapter in his post-presidential life.
