“It’s kind of breathtaking”: Biden speaks out on Social Security in first post-presidency speech
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For many Americans—especially those in or approaching retirement—Social Security isn’t just a government program.
It’s a financial foundation that helps ensure stability after decades of hard work.
That’s why recent remarks about its future are drawing attention across the political spectrum.
In a speech delivered at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference in Chicago, former President Joe Biden addressed concerns about the Social Security Administration.
He pointed to ongoing staffing issues, service delays, and uncertainty surrounding the program’s long-term stability.
Biden spoke to roughly 180 attendees and was introduced by former Maryland Governor and current Social Security Administrator Martin O’Malley.
Criticism of Administrative Changes
While Biden did not directly name President Donald Trump, he referenced policy shifts that he believes contributed to recent service disruptions.
“Well, look what's happening. In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has made so much… done so much damage, and so much, it's kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden said.
Initially showing restraint, Biden began his remarks by saying, “I will not go further and get in trouble…” but then pivoted from discussing his administration’s efforts to supporting Social Security to criticizing current policies.
“Last time this guy had the job, he raised the debt ceiling because of an enormous and profligate tax cut to the super wealthy,” he added.
“They wanted to cut Social Security. Not on my watch. We refused to go along with any of that.”
A Broader Reflection on American Values
Biden emphasized the role Social Security plays in American life and values. “What makes us distinct from the rest of the world? Basic, in my view, fundamental American values. Nobody's king.” he said.
He also expressed concern over what he views as a growing political divide. “You can't go on like this, as a divided nation, as divided as we are,” he said, adding, “I've been doing this a long time. It's never been this divided. Granted, it's just 30 percent, but it's a 30 percent that has no heart.”
Also read: Trump just dropped a Social Security update—Here’s what to know
Staffing Cuts and Administrative Changes
Biden warned that additional strain could be coming to the agency.
“They've taken a hatchet in Social Security, pushing additional 7,000 employees, 7,000 out the door in that time, including the most seasoned career officials. Now they're getting ready to push something more out the door.”
He also criticized Trump’s Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and adviser Elon Musk.
“Based on [Lutnick’s] comments, he doesn't seem to even care,” Biden said, referencing a remark Lutnick made about his mother-in-law: “She wouldn’t complain, wouldn’t bother her.”
Biden continued, “Probably a lovely woman. No kidding... her son-in-law is a billionaire. What about that 94-year-old mother living all by herself?”
He then pointed to broader dismissive rhetoric from administration officials.
“One of them called it a ‘Ponzi scheme.’ A Ponzi scheme—what the h— are they talking about?” Biden said.
He concluded that the mindset reflects a “move fast and break things” approach from the technological world.
Also read: READ: How Trump’s proposal to extend tax cuts could affect your finances
Funding and the 2017 Tax Cuts
Biden also warned that Congress could target Social Security through a Republican-backed funding proposal aimed at making Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent.
“These guys are willing to hurt the middle class, working class… to deliver greater wealth to the already very wealthy,” he said.
“Who in the h— do they think they are? I really think they—I mean just basic, basic decency. Who do think they are?”
As conversations over Social Security continue, one thing remains clear—it’s a deeply personal issue that impacts millions of Americans.
Whether the discussion centers on funding, staffing, or future reforms, the stakes are high.
For many, it’s not just about politics—it’s about peace of mind.
Read next: New rules ahead: What Social Security just announced may affect your plans
Have you noticed any recent changes in how Social Security is being handled—whether in service, support, or communication? What’s your experience been like? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
It’s a financial foundation that helps ensure stability after decades of hard work.
That’s why recent remarks about its future are drawing attention across the political spectrum.
In a speech delivered at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference in Chicago, former President Joe Biden addressed concerns about the Social Security Administration.
He pointed to ongoing staffing issues, service delays, and uncertainty surrounding the program’s long-term stability.
Biden spoke to roughly 180 attendees and was introduced by former Maryland Governor and current Social Security Administrator Martin O’Malley.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks at a disability advocacy conference in Chicago, where he addressed concerns about the future of Social Security. Image Source: YouTube / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Criticism of Administrative Changes
While Biden did not directly name President Donald Trump, he referenced policy shifts that he believes contributed to recent service disruptions.
“Well, look what's happening. In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has made so much… done so much damage, and so much, it's kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden said.
Initially showing restraint, Biden began his remarks by saying, “I will not go further and get in trouble…” but then pivoted from discussing his administration’s efforts to supporting Social Security to criticizing current policies.
“Last time this guy had the job, he raised the debt ceiling because of an enormous and profligate tax cut to the super wealthy,” he added.
“They wanted to cut Social Security. Not on my watch. We refused to go along with any of that.”
A Broader Reflection on American Values
Biden emphasized the role Social Security plays in American life and values. “What makes us distinct from the rest of the world? Basic, in my view, fundamental American values. Nobody's king.” he said.
He also expressed concern over what he views as a growing political divide. “You can't go on like this, as a divided nation, as divided as we are,” he said, adding, “I've been doing this a long time. It's never been this divided. Granted, it's just 30 percent, but it's a 30 percent that has no heart.”
Also read: Trump just dropped a Social Security update—Here’s what to know
Staffing Cuts and Administrative Changes
Biden warned that additional strain could be coming to the agency.
“They've taken a hatchet in Social Security, pushing additional 7,000 employees, 7,000 out the door in that time, including the most seasoned career officials. Now they're getting ready to push something more out the door.”
He also criticized Trump’s Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and adviser Elon Musk.
“Based on [Lutnick’s] comments, he doesn't seem to even care,” Biden said, referencing a remark Lutnick made about his mother-in-law: “She wouldn’t complain, wouldn’t bother her.”
Biden continued, “Probably a lovely woman. No kidding... her son-in-law is a billionaire. What about that 94-year-old mother living all by herself?”
He then pointed to broader dismissive rhetoric from administration officials.
“One of them called it a ‘Ponzi scheme.’ A Ponzi scheme—what the h— are they talking about?” Biden said.
He concluded that the mindset reflects a “move fast and break things” approach from the technological world.
Also read: READ: How Trump’s proposal to extend tax cuts could affect your finances
Funding and the 2017 Tax Cuts
Biden also warned that Congress could target Social Security through a Republican-backed funding proposal aimed at making Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent.
“These guys are willing to hurt the middle class, working class… to deliver greater wealth to the already very wealthy,” he said.
“Who in the h— do they think they are? I really think they—I mean just basic, basic decency. Who do think they are?”
As conversations over Social Security continue, one thing remains clear—it’s a deeply personal issue that impacts millions of Americans.
Whether the discussion centers on funding, staffing, or future reforms, the stakes are high.
For many, it’s not just about politics—it’s about peace of mind.
Read next: New rules ahead: What Social Security just announced may affect your plans
Have you noticed any recent changes in how Social Security is being handled—whether in service, support, or communication? What’s your experience been like? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
