Former US President Joe Biden Slams Trump in His First Public Speech Since Leaving Office

• Former US President Joe Biden criticised the Trump administration’s welfare policies during a speech in Chicago, accusing it of undermining the social security system
• Biden described social security as a "sacred promise" and condemned staff cuts at the Social Security Agency, which serves 67 million Americans
• Meanwhile, Trump defended the measures as targeting fraud, while Elon Musk controversially referred to social security as "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time"

Former US President Joe Biden used his first public speech since leaving office to criticise the Trump administration’s approach to welfare policies.

Speaking at a disability rights event in Chicago, Biden accused the government of taking a “hatchet” to the social security system, which provides essential income to 67 million Americans, primarily retirees and individuals with disabilities.

According to BBC, without naming Trump directly, Biden described the administration’s actions as “breath-taking” in their damage and destruction, emphasising the importance of social security as a “sacred promise.”

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Trump administration defends cost-cutting measures

The Trump administration, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, has targeted the Social Security Agency (SSA) for staff reductions, aiming to cut 7,000 jobs—approximately 10% of its workforce.

Musk has controversially labelled social security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”

Trump has maintained that the cuts are focused on eliminating fraudulent claims and payments to illegal immigrants, signing an order on Tuesday to prevent ineligible individuals from accessing benefits.

Democratic concerns over welfare cuts

Democratic politicians have repeatedly accused the administration of planning sweeping reductions to social security.

Biden’s remarks align with broader concerns about the impact of these policies on vulnerable populations.

The SSA, now under the control of a Trump appointee, responded to Biden’s speech by accusing him of “lying” about the administration’s intentions.

Obama criticises Trump’s harvard funding freeze

On the same day, former President Barack Obama criticised the Trump administration’s decision to freeze over $2 billion in federal funds for Harvard University.

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Trump’s move came after Harvard refused to alter its hiring, admissions, and teaching practices, which he claims are essential to combating antisemitism on campus.

Obama described the decision as “unlawful and ham-handed,” marking a rare instance of public criticism from the former president.

About Joe Biden

Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, served from 2021 to 2025. A seasoned politician, he represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate for 36 years before becoming Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017.

Known for his focus on healthcare, climate change, and restoring international alliances, Biden's presidency was marked by efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.

Trump revokes security clearance of Biden

Legit.ng earlier reported that former President Donald Trump issued a presidential memo on March 21, 2025, revoking security clearances for President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and several other prominent Democrats and political adversaries.

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The revocations also extended to former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, among others.

Source: Legit.ng