Former President Joe Biden is set to make a significant return to the national spotlight with a speech on Tuesday aimed at highlighting liberal concerns regarding President Donald Trump's impact on Social Security. This address marks one of Biden's few appearances since leaving the White House in January, during which Trump has persistently criticized him for various issues facing the nation.
The speech will take place at the annual conference of the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago. Biden, who has largely been absent from public discussions, is expected to address Social Security—a critical concern for millions of Americans and a vital topic as the upcoming midterm elections approach.
Rachel Buck, the executive director of ACRD, expressed enthusiasm about Biden's participation, stating, “As bipartisan leaders have long agreed, Americans who retire after paying into Social Security their whole lives deserve the vital support and caring services they receive.” Buck emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure a stable future for the program.
Under Trump's administration, the Social Security Administration (SSA) faced significant budget cuts and workforce reductions, which included the termination of thousands of employees. Trump’s policies, which include plans to lay off 7,000 workers and the implementation of stricter verification measures for Social Security beneficiaries, have drawn criticism. The agency has also been embroiled in controversies, such as a lawsuit concerning Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency accessing sensitive personal information regarding Social Security recipients.
Musk, an influential adviser to Trump, has controversially referred to Social Security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” Meanwhile, complaints from recipients regarding long wait times on calls and accessibility issues with the "my Social Security" benefits portal have been reported, contributing to rising frustrations among beneficiaries.
Despite recognizing these challenges, the White House has assured that there will be no cuts to Social Security benefits, indicating that proposed changes aim to minimize waste and fraud within the program. Biden's appearance is notable, as he will be accompanied by a bipartisan group of former officials, including former Senators Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), along with Martin O’Malley, a former Social Security Administrator.
O'Malley remarked on the importance of Social Security, stating, “Social Security is a sacred promise between generations,” and expressed gratitude for Biden’s willingness to engage in discussions about ensuring that promise for all Americans.
Looking forward, Biden appears to be transitioning into a more subdued post-presidency role, having returned to Delaware, his home base, while still maintaining an office in Washington. Trump, on the other hand, has taken steps to revoke Biden’s security clearances.
Biden's re-emergence comes amid criticisms of his leadership and declining approval ratings, with only 39% of Americans expressing a favorable opinion of him in a Gallup poll conducted shortly after Trump took office. As Biden continues to navigate his post-presidency landscape, he faces pressure from some progressives who criticize his decision to seek a second term, particularly after a challenging debate performance against Trump, which prompted him to withdraw his candidacy in favor of then-Vice President Kamala Harris—who ultimately lost to Trump in the election.
