Even though he’s not in the Oval Office anymore, Joe Biden just showed that he’s still making an impact. At a recent conference in Chicago, the former president grabbed the microphone and didn’t hesitate to speak his mind about the current president.
Biden’s first speech
Joe Biden and Donald Trump have had their fair share of disagreements over the years, and it’s clear that they don’t see eye to eye, especially regarding their plans for America.
While Trump is charging forward in the White House, making headlines with global tariffs, there’s been a lot more going on recently. From Elon Musk unexpectedly becoming the face of DOGE to significant cuts in university funding and attempts to reduce the federal workforce, the current administration is making big changes in many areas.
One person who definitely has opinions on all of this and isn’t afraid to express them is former President Joe Biden.
On Tuesday, Biden took the stage at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference in Chicago. The 82-year-old shared fond memories of his childhood and family before moving on to discuss what he referred to as “a key issue for millions of Americans”: Social Security.
Took aim at Trump
Biden started by recognizing the day as Social Security National Day of Action, a special event organized by Democrats. He said, “Everyone here is dedicated to helping people with disabilities who depend on Social Security to get by. It’s not just about physical needs; it’s also about mental health. You ensure that people receive the benefits they’ve earned after working hard their whole lives. What you do is more than just a job; it’s a true calling.”
He reminded everyone that Social Security is more than just a government program; it’s something very personal:
“73 million Americans rely on Social Security. From their very first paycheck, they contribute to it, and they expect it to support them when they need it most.
We must always honor that trust and fulfill our responsibilities. That’s why, during my time as president, we have worked to protect and strengthen Social Security.”
Without mentioning any specific names, Biden criticized some executive orders from the Trump administration and certain Republicans in Congress, claiming they want to “cut and dismantle Social Security.”
And he didn’t hold back:
Who the hell do they think they are?
They suggested that social security should end every five years unless Congress decides to renew it. Who do they think they are?
While Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to secure almost $2 billion to enhance customer service and reduce wait times, he criticized his predecessor for increasing the debt ceiling after what Biden described as a “wasteful tax” cut for the extremely rich.
“The last time this person was in charge, he raised the debt ceiling because of a huge and wasteful tax cut for the super wealthy.”
And on those trying to slash Social Security, Biden had one burning question:
”How do you sleep at night? How do you sleep at night?”
”They’re certainly breaking things, they’re shooting first and aiming later,” Biden said. ”The result is a lot of needless pain and sleepless nights.”
Made one thing clear
”My friend Governor Ali knows what they’re really up to. He says – and I love this quote – ”They want to wreck it so they can rob it.”
And Biden made it clear:
”I refuse to go along with any of it.”
He closed by stressing the duty of elected officials:
One of the key responsibilities of any elected leader is to ensure that the government serves everyone and fulfills its commitments to all citizens.
Biden’s passionate speech received cheers from the audience, but it also sparked a heated national discussion: Is Social Security a vital promise or merely another government cost that could be reduced?
Should benefits change to adapt to economic challenges, or would any changes be seen as a betrayal of hardworking Americans? With the upcoming election approaching, will voters support strong protection of these benefits or push for significant changes?
What are your thoughts? Is Biden correct in opposing these cuts, or is it time to make some difficult decisions?