Former President Joe Biden delivered a forceful speech on Social Security cuts, accusing Donald Trump and Elon Musk of damaging the system Americans rely on. Speaking at a disability advocacy event in Chicago, Biden said that recent federal workforce reductions threaten retirement and disability benefits.
Biden referenced staff cuts and office closures to explain how the administration caused damage in less than 100 days. He pointed directly to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), run by Musk, for firing 7,000 Social Security Administration (SSA) employees.
Biden warned that the system is becoming inaccessible and accused the administration of trying to dismantle Social Security to fund tax breaks for billionaires. The SSA denied Biden’s claims, calling them false in a statement on X.
Former President Joe Biden is lying to Americans.
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) April 15, 2025
Here are the facts:
1️⃣President Trump has repeatedly promised to protect Social Security and ensure higher-take home pay for seniors by ending taxation on Social Security benefits.
Musk has previously labeled Social Security the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time, drawing backlash from both parties. Biden, who spoke for about 30 minutes, displayed slowed speech and hesitation, prompting renewed focus on his age.
Furthermore, he criticized Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s remark that his 94-year-old mother-in-law wouldn’t miss her Social Security check. Democratic strategist Karen Finney worried Biden’s appearance could distract from recent criticism Trump faces over trade policies.
Despite mixed reactions, presidential historian Timothy Naftali said Biden’s voice matters. His speech on Social Security cuts reignited debate over the program’s future, especially under Trump and Musk’s aggressive reforms.
