In his first major public speech since leaving office, Joe Biden sounded the alarm. He accused Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk of attacking the heart of the federal government. Their actions, he said, are threatening a system that millions depend on.
Speaking in Chicago to disability advocates, Biden said the new administration was acting with “warp-speed” to dismantle key federal agencies. He compared their approach to a demolition crew. “In less than 100 days, they’ve caused incredible damage,” he warned. “It’s breathtaking how fast this is all happening.”
A Sacred Promise Under Threat
Biden stressed how vital the Social Security Administration is. He called it a “sacred promise.” More than 70 million Americans rely on their monthly checks. Without it, many would face real hardship. 
He reminded the crowd that Social Security has never missed a payment. Not in wars. Not in recessions. Not even during the pandemic. “But now,” he said, “that could change. And if it does, it’ll be a disaster for millions of families.”
Tech Tactics Meet Public Policy
Biden criticized the Trump administration for adopting a Silicon Valley mindset. “Move fast and break things,” he said, quoting the tech world’s famous slogan. “Well, they’re certainly breaking things. They’re firing first and aiming later.”
His remarks came during a nationwide Democratic push. Across the country, Democrats rallied to protest the administration’s plan to shrink Social Security. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, said it was a “day of action.”
A Personal Matter for Biden
At 82, Biden said he didn’t expect to return to the spotlight so soon. But he believes this issue is urgent. Retirees and disabled Americans are now worried. Some fear their payments might arrive late. Others worry they may not come at all.
“This isn’t politics,” he said. “This is about real people and real lives.”
Political Snipes and Age Jokes
The new White House didn’t waste time responding. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took a jab at Biden’s age. “I’m surprised he’s up this late,” she said. “I thought he went to bed hours ago.”
Trump is 78. Biden was quick to joke back. He poked fun at Trump’s claim that people over 100 are still receiving benefits. “I want to meet them,” he laughed. “I’d love to know how they lived that long.”
Clearing Up the Myths
Trump and Musk have both pointed to old records in the Social Security database. These include people with no death dates. They claim it proves fraud. But Biden explained this is a known issue. And almost no one on those lists is actually being paid.
“It’s not a scam. It’s just a glitch,” Biden said. The data is incomplete. But the payments are not being abused.
Republican Pushback and Online Spin
Trump has promised not to touch Social Security. Many Republicans in Congress say Democrats are spreading lies. Meanwhile, the agency posted a series of replies on X (formerly Twitter). They said Biden has always promised to protect the program and end taxes on senior benefits.
But Biden said talk is cheap. Actions speak louder.
Musk’s Budget Cuts Hit the System Hard
Under Musk’s cost-cutting plan, called the “Department of Government Efficiency,” the agency has already started making big changes. Offices are closing. Staff are being laid off. And policies are shifting.
People who rely on Social Security are starting to feel the effects. Biden said many are now anxious and confused. “How do you sleep at night?” he asked.
He also slammed Musk for calling the system a Ponzi scheme. And he didn’t spare Trump’s Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick. Lutnick said on a tech podcast that his 94-year-old mother-in-law wouldn’t complain if she missed a check.
“She might be fine,” Biden said. “Her son-in-law is a billionaire. But what about the elderly woman living alone?”
Executive Orders and Legal Moves
On Tuesday, Trump signed a memo titled Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits. But under current law, undocumented immigrants are already not eligible. The memo directs officials to crack down even harder. It expands fraud investigations and adds scrutiny for anyone over 100 years old.
The order also creates new prosecutors for Medicare and Medicaid.
A Final Plea to the Nation
Biden ended his speech on a somber note. He urged Americans to remember their shared values. “Nobody’s king,” he said. “This country belongs to its people.”
He admitted the country feels more divided than ever. In a remark that sparked controversy, he said about “30%” of the country “has no heart.” Trump supporters quickly accused him of insulting them.
Still, Biden held firm. “This is what we believe in. Fairness. That’s the America we must never forget.”
