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U.S.|Biden Says Trump Is ‘Breaking Things,’ Including the Safety Net
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/us/joe-biden-speech.html
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In Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s first extensive speech since he left office, he accused the Trump administration of “taking a hatchet” to the Social Security Administration.
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Biden Condemns Trump’s Cuts to Social Security Administration
In his first expansive public comments since leaving the White House, former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. spoke out against the Trump administration’s cuts to the Social Security Administration.
Fewer than 100 days this new administration has made so much, done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon. They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration, pushing additional 7,000 employees, 7,000 out the door in that time, including the most seasoned career officials. Now they’re getting ready to push thousands more out the door. 73 million Americans receive Social Security. From their first paycheck for their entire life they pay into Social Security, and in return they count on Social Security to be for them when they’re going to need it. Folks must never, ever betray that trust or turn our backs on that obligation. That’s why during my presidency we protected Social Security and made it stronger.
April 15, 2025, 8:57 p.m. ET
Joseph R. Biden Jr. forcefully defended Social Security in a speech to disability advocates in Chicago on Tuesday, condemning the Trump administration for “taking a hatchet” to the Social Security Administration.
In his first expansive public comments since leaving the White House, Mr. Biden said that President Trump had taken aim at Social Security, doing “damage and destruction” to a program that millions of Americans depend on.
“Social Security deserves to be protected for the good of the nation as a whole,” Mr. Biden said, adding that Trump officials are applying a Silicon Valley mantra of “move fast and break things” to the government. “Well, they’re certainly breaking things. They’re shooting first and aiming later.”
Mr. Trump has promised not to cut Social Security benefits for the 73 million Americans enrolled, but offices around the country have been flooded with calls and questions from Americans who are worried that changes to their benefits and to their local Social Security offices may be imminent.
At local offices, many staff members have taken buyouts or early retirements promoted by the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts, leading to longer phone waits and lines. The Social Security Administration has said it wants to shed thousands of jobs at its headquarters.
Mr. Biden said that during his own administration, the Social Security Administration cut wait times, improved antifraud measures and made the appeals system for benefits more uniform.
