Former President Joe Biden has launched a forceful critique of the Trump administration’s handling of the Social Security Administration (SSA), marking his most prominent return to the national stage since leaving office. Speaking at a Chicago conference for disability advocates, Biden accused President Donald Trump’s team of inflicting “breathtaking” damage on the agency in less than 100 days, citing deep staff cuts, operational disruptions, and growing public anxiety over benefit security.

Biden’s Rebuke: “A Sacred Promise” Undermined

In his remarks, Biden characterized Social Security as a “sacred promise” and sharply contrasted his administration’s approach—focused on robust staffing and customer service—with what he described as the Trump administration’s “hatchet” tactics. He highlighted that 7,000 SSA employees, including many experienced staff, have already been let go, with plans for thousands more to follow. Biden linked these reductions directly to system outages, longer wait times, and widespread confusion among beneficiaries: “People can’t sign on to their accounts. Who in the hell do they think they are?” he said, referencing reports of website crashes and jammed phone lines.

Biden also criticized the Trump administration’s decision to halve the agency’s technology division, arguing that this move has further destabilized essential services and left millions of Americans—especially seniors and people with disabilities—uncertain about their benefits. He suggested the cuts are motivated by a desire to fund permanent tax breaks for the wealthy, warning, “They want to make the 2017 tax cuts, which primarily benefited the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations, permanent. That’s going to amount to $5 trillion. Where will they source $5 trillion to cover this?”

Operational Fallout: Closures, Delays, and Public Distress

The operational impact of these cuts is being felt nationwide. Local SSA offices, particularly in rural areas, are losing significant portions of their staff—sometimes more than a quarter—resulting in longer lines, increased wait times, and heightened frustration among recipients. Reports indicate that at least 30 offices are facing substantial reductions, and the agency’s technology support staff has been cut by 50% or more. Many beneficiaries have struggled to access online services or reach the agency by phone, fueling anxiety about the continuity of their payments.

Trump Administration’s Response: Defending the Cuts

The Trump administration has firmly rejected Biden’s criticisms. Officials argue that the staff reductions and office consolidations are part of a broader campaign to eliminate waste and address improper payments, not to undermine benefits. The SSA has publicly stated that President Trump remains committed to protecting Social Security and has even proposed eliminating taxes on benefits to enhance seniors’ take-home pay. Agency representatives have also pointed to a $16.5 million investment in modernizing phone services and highlighted longstanding issues with improper payments—totaling $72 billion between 2015 and 2022—as justification for their actions.

White House spokespersons have dismissed Biden’s remarks as “dishonest,” reiterating that no benefit cuts are planned and that office closures are limited to underutilized spaces, not field offices essential to public service.

Political Stakes: Social Security at the Center of 2025 Debate

Biden’s speech comes as Democrats intensify their campaign to defend Social Security, launching digital ads and organizing a “Save Social Security National Day of Action”. The issue is poised to become a central flashpoint in the 2025 political landscape, with both parties seeking to reassure the millions of Americans who depend on the program.

Biden, often invoking his working-class roots and personal stories, framed the debate as one of national values and priorities: “You gotta ask yourself, ‘Why is this happening? Why are these guys taking aim at Social Security now?’”

As the Trump administration pushes forward with its reorganization and cost-cutting agenda, the future of Social Security—and the public’s confidence in its stability—remains a defining issue for both policymakers and the American people.