In his first major public remarks since leaving office, former President Joe Biden sharply criticized the Trump administration for what he described as sweeping and destructive changes since taking power. Speaking at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago, Biden said the administration had done “so much damage and so much destruction” in less than 100 days.
He accused the White House of gutting the Social Security Administration (SSA), saying 7,000 employees — including many experienced staff — had been let go. “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration,” Biden said, warning that the effects were already visible and could harm millions of Americans relying on benefits.
Without naming Trump directly, Biden criticized Republican efforts to cut bureaucracy and federal spending, comparing their approach to a tech startup mantra: “Move fast, break things.” He warned that the administration’s actions could endanger Social Security, which he called “a sacred promise.”
Biden also joked about false claims that people over 100 are fraudulently receiving Social Security benefits, earning laughter from the sold-out crowd.
Meanwhile, the White House pushed back ahead of Biden’s speech.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mocked his age and reiterated Trump’s commitment to preserving Social Security for eligible Americans. She also announced a presidential memorandum aimed at preventing non-citizens and ineligible individuals from accessing benefits.
