Former President Joe Biden Warns of Threats to Social Security

CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that President Donald Trump has “taken a hatchet” to Social Security, weighing in on a critical issue for millions of Americans as he briefly returned to the national stage.

Biden, who has largely avoided speaking publicly since leaving the White House in January, gave an evening speech at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago. The former president was speaking as fellow Democrats across the nation offered similar warnings for what they described as a Social Security Day of Action.

“In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking,” Biden charged during a speech that spanned just under a half-hour. “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration.”

It was no coincidence that Tuesday’s appearance, which marked Biden’s first major event since leaving office, was focused on Social Security. Democrats have increasingly focused on Trump’s turbulent leadership over the popular government agency that provides benefits to more than 70 million Americans.

Both parties expect Social Security to emerge as a key issue in next year’s midterm elections.

Speaking before a crowd of roughly 200 people, Biden largely stuck to his prepared remarks but also rambled at times as he told stories about growing up with working-class people.

He referred to the Republican president only as “this guy.” Trump, by contrast, often attacks his predecessor by name and blames Biden for many of the nation’s problems.

Conservatives immediately seized upon a Biden reference to the country’s political divisions as an attack on Trump supporters.

“We can’t go on like this as a divided nation, as divided as we are,” Biden said. ”As I said, I’ve been doing this a long time. It’s never been this divided. Granted, it’s roughly 30%, but it’s a 30% that has no heart.”

The Social Security Controversy

The Social Security Administration has been at the center of controversy since Trump took office. The Republican president almost immediately began slashing the government workforce, including thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration.

Along with a planned layoff of 7,000 workers and contentious plans to impose tighter identity-proofing measures for recipients, the SSA has been sued over a decision to allow Trump adviser Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to access individuals’ Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information.

Musk, the world’s richest man and one of Trump’s most influential advisers, has called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”

At the same time, Social Security recipients have complained about long call wait times as the agency’s “my Social Security” benefits portal has seen an increase in outages. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income, including disabled seniors and low-income adults and children, also reported receiving a notice that said they were “not receiving benefits.”

The agency said the notice was a mistake. And the White House has vowed that it would not cut Social Security benefits, saying any changes are intended to reduce waste and fraud.

Biden’s Return to the Stage

Biden is not expected to make frequent public appearances as he transitions into his post-presidential career. He still maintains an office in Washington, but has returned to Delaware as his regular home base.

“This is an all hands on deck moment, which is why President Biden’s voice in this moment is so important,” Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a call with reporters ahead of Biden’s address.

While Biden may be in a position to help his party with fundraising and messaging moving forward, he left the White House with weak approval ratings.

Biden also faces blame from some progressives who argue he shouldn’t have sought a second term. Biden ended his reelection bid after his disastrous debate performance against Trump and made way for then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the fall.

Just 39% of Americans had a favorable opinion of Biden in January, according to a Gallup poll taken shortly after Trump’s inauguration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Social Security has sparked a heated debate between Democrats and Republicans. Former President Joe Biden has warned that President Trump has “taken a hatchet” to Social Security, while the White House has vowed that it would not cut Social Security benefits. As the debate continues, it is essential to understand the implications of the proposed changes and how they may affect millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits.

FAQs

Q: What is the current controversy surrounding Social Security?

A: The controversy surrounding Social Security is related to the proposed changes by the Trump administration, including a planned layoff of 7,000 workers and contentious plans to impose tighter identity-proofing measures for recipients.

Q: What has Biden said about the proposed changes to Social Security?

A: Biden has warned that President Trump has “taken a hatchet” to Social Security and that the proposed changes are intended to reduce waste and fraud.

Q: How may the proposed changes affect Social Security recipients?

A: The proposed changes may affect Social Security recipients in various ways, including longer wait times for benefits and potential cuts to benefits.

Q: What is the current state of Social Security in the US?

A: Social Security is a critical issue in the US, with over 70 million Americans relying on benefits. The program is facing challenges, including a declining workforce and increasing costs.

Q: What is the role of Elon Musk in the Social Security controversy?

A: Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and one of Trump’s most influential advisers, has called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time” and has been involved in the decision to allow his Department of Government Efficiency to access individuals’ Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information.