Breaking: In one of his initial speeches since leaving office, former President Biden criticized the Trump administration on Tuesday, calling the harm done to Social Security “breathtaking” and stressing that “everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”
In a fiery return to the national stage, former President Joe Biden delivered one of his first major speeches since leaving office, directly targeting the Trump administration’s policies, particularly its impact on Social Security. Speaking at a public event in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Biden called the damage inflicted on the nation’s social safety net “breathtaking,” accusing the previous administration of placing ideology and corporate interests ahead of working-class Americans.
The speech, which was widely anticipated, marks a notable escalation in the ongoing political battle over entitlement programs, as the country edges closer to the next presidential election cycle. While Biden refrained from mentioning Donald Trump by name during much of his speech, the references were unmistakable. “The actions taken over those four years put the future of Social Security in jeopardy,” he said, “and for what? Tax breaks for the wealthy and deregulation that benefits the few, not the many.”
Biden highlighted what he described as a “deliberate undermining” of the Social Security system through repeated attempts to cut funding and reduce benefits. He referenced proposed budget plans during the Trump era that included raising the retirement age and restructuring the way benefits are calculated. “That’s not reform,” Biden argued. “That’s betrayal. And it hits hardest on those who’ve worked their whole lives, played by the rules, and now are being told the rules don’t apply anymore.”
Throughout his speech, Biden struck a tone that combined indignation with compassion, emphasizing the dignity that he believes every American is owed, especially in their later years. “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity,” he said, drawing applause. “That means a secure retirement. That means healthcare that doesn’t bankrupt you. That means honoring the promises we’ve made as a nation.”
Biden also took the opportunity to outline a vision for protecting and expanding Social Security, calling on Congress to strengthen the program for future generations. He proposed raising the income cap on payroll taxes so that wealthier Americans contribute more to the system—a policy he had championed while in office. “This isn’t about taking away from anyone,” he explained. “It’s about making sure that everyone contributes fairly, so no one is left behind.”
The former president’s remarks come amid growing concern over the long-term solvency of Social Security, with projections showing the trust fund could run dry within the next decade unless action is taken. By speaking out now, Biden is positioning himself as a defender of the working class and the elderly, while signaling that he intends to remain a prominent voice in national debates.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Biden’s sharp rebuke of the Trump administration underscores the stark differences in their approaches to governance. His call for dignity, fairness, and responsibility may resonate strongly with voters still grappling with economic insecurity—and could shape the conversation heading into 2026 and beyond.