He may no longer sit in the Oval Office, but Joe Biden just proved he’s not done making waves. At a recent conference in Chicago, the former president took with the mic — and didn’t hold back when it came to his successor.
Biden’s first speech
Joe Biden and Donald Trump have clashed more than once over the years — and it’s no secret there’s no love lost between the two, especially when it comes to their visions for America.
While Trump charges ahead like a bulldozer in the White House — grabbing headlines over global tariffs — there’s been a lot more happening the past months. From Elon Musk’s surprising appointment as the face of DOGE to major cuts in university funding and efforts to downsize the federal workforce, the current administration has been pushing through sweeping changes on multiple fronts.
And one person who clearly has thoughts about all this and isn’t shy about sharing them is former President Joe Biden.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden took the stage in Chicago at the Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled conference. At 82, he spoke with warmth and reflection about his childhood and family—before pivoting to what he called “an issue that’s front and center for millions of Americans”: Social Security.
Direct Shot at Trump-Era Policies
Marking the occasion as the Democrats’ Social Security National Day of Action, Biden praised the crowd for their commitment:
“Everyone in this room fights for people with disabilities who rely on Social Security to survive – and it’s not just the physical side, it’s the mental side, too. You make sure folks get the benefits they’ve earned after a lifetime of hard work. What you do isn’t just a profession – it’s a calling.”
He emphasized that Social Security isn’t just a government program — it’s a promise:
“73 million Americans receive Social Security. From their very first paycheck, they contribute to it. And in return, they count on it to be there when they need it most.
Folks, we must never betray that trust or walk away from that responsibility. That’s why under my presidency, we’ve protected Social Security — and made it stronger.”
Without naming Trump directly, Biden criticized past executive actions and Republicans in Congress who, he said, are threatening the very foundation of the program.
Then came one of the most striking moments of the speech:
“They want Social Security to expire every five years — unless Congress reauthorizes it. That was their actual proposal.
Who the hell do they think they are?”
Biden contrasted that with his own administration’s efforts, highlighting nearly $2 billion secured to improve Social Security customer service and reduce wait times.
And he didn’t let his predecessor off the hook when it came to fiscal responsibility:
“The last time this guy had the job, he raised the debt ceiling — not to help ordinary Americans, but because he gave a massive, reckless tax cut to the super wealthy.”
When it came to those threatening to slash Social Security, President Biden didn’t mince words.
“How do you sleep at night? How do you sleep at night?” he asked, his voice rising with frustration.
He painted a picture of recklessness, accusing critics of acting without thought:
“They’re certainly breaking things. They’re shooting first and aiming later. The result? A lot of needless pain — and a lot of sleepless nights.”
Biden Didn’t Hold Back
He shared a line from Governor Ali that, in Biden’s words, said it all:
“They want to wreck it so they can rob it.”
And then he drew the line in the sand:
“I refuse to go along with any of it.”
In his closing remarks, Biden underscored what he believes is the fundamental responsibility of public service:
“One of the most important jobs of any elected official is to make sure the government works for the people — all the people — and that we keep our promises to them.”
His fiery defense of Social Security was met with loud applause from the audience. But beyond the cheers, his comments reignited a national debate.
Is Social Security a sacred promise — or a budget line ready to be trimmed?
Should benefits evolve with economic realities, or is every proposal to reform them a betrayal of working Americans?
And with a pivotal election on the horizon, one big question looms:
Will voters back bold defense — or demand bold reform?
So, what do you think? Is Biden right to stand firm — or is it time for tough conversations?
