Former President Joe Biden, in his first major public appearance since leaving office, delivered a forceful critique of President Donald Trump’s administration on Tuesday, accusing it of inflicting “breathtaking” damage on the Social Security Administration (SSA) through sweeping staff cuts, office closures, and disruptive management practices. Speaking to a gathering of disability advocates in Chicago, Biden’s remarks underscored the escalating battle over the future of Social Security—a lifeline for nearly 73 million Americans, including retirees and people with disabilities.

Biden’s Rebuke: “Move Fast, Break Things”

Biden, avoiding direct mention of Trump by name, painted a vivid picture of an agency in turmoil. “Just look at what has transpired. In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has inflicted significant damage and destruction. It's astonishing that such harm could occur so quickly,” he declared. He accused the Trump administration of wielding a “hatchet” against the SSA, referencing the elimination of 7,000 positions—including many experienced career officials—and warning that thousands more could soon be forced out.

He compared the current leadership’s approach to a reckless tech startup mentality, saying, “They're adhering to that old tech startup mantra—‘move fast, break things.’ Well, they're certainly breaking things. They're acting impulsively, and the outcome is a great deal of unnecessary suffering and restless nights.” Biden emphasized that Social Security is “more than just a government initiative. It's a sacred commitment we have made as a nation”.

Agency Upheaval and Public Fallout

The SSA is in the midst of a dramatic reorganization, led by the newly established Department of Government Efficiency under tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. The agency has announced plans to reduce its workforce from about 57,000 to 50,000, primarily through voluntary retirement and separation programs, but with the possibility of forced reductions if targets are not met. Six regional offices are slated for closure, consolidating operations into just four, and the agency’s headquarters is undergoing a major restructuring.

These changes have had immediate and visible consequences. In March alone, the SSA’s MySSA online portal crashed five times, leaving millions of beneficiaries unable to access their accounts or manage their benefits. The outages, attributed to server overloads and technical failures, have fueled concerns that staff reductions and rapid changes are undermining the agency’s ability to serve the public. Local offices have reported surges in calls and visits from anxious citizens, with long wait times and growing confusion over benefits.

Trump Administration’s Response

The Trump administration has firmly rejected Biden’s accusations, insisting that their reforms are necessary to modernize government, eliminate waste, and protect Social Security’s long-term solvency. Officials argue that the cuts target redundant or nonessential positions and that no reductions to core benefits are planned. President Trump has repeatedly stated he will not cut Social Security benefits, focusing instead on rooting out fraudulent claims and payments to undocumented immigrants.

In a statement, the administration reaffirmed its “commitment to protecting Social Security benefits for all Americans,” dismissing Biden’s remarks as “misleading and politically motivated”.

A Broader Political Crossroads

Biden’s speech comes at a pivotal moment, as debates over Social Security’s future intensify and the former president reemerges as a prominent voice for its defense. His remarks were delivered during a “Social Security Day of Action,” coinciding with protests and advocacy efforts nationwide. Democratic lawmakers have echoed Biden’s warnings, accusing the Trump administration of endangering a vital safety net.

As the SSA faces both internal upheaval and external scrutiny, millions of Americans are left in limbo—uncertain about the security of their benefits and the agency’s ability to deliver on its historic promise. The coming months will test whether the Trump administration’s gamble on rapid reform can deliver efficiencies without eroding public trust or essential services.