Joe Biden Slams Trump and GOP Over Social Security Cuts in Fiery Chicago Speech
Though no longer serving in the Oval Office, former President Joe Biden is proving he has no intention of stepping out of the national spotlight—especially when it comes to issues affecting millions of Americans. During a passionate appearance at a conference in Chicago on Social Security National Day of Action, Biden delivered a fiery rebuke aimed squarely at Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers, accusing them of threatening the financial security of older Americans.
Biden, speaking to a packed room of activists, seniors, and supporters, voiced his deep concern over recent GOP proposals that could potentially dismantle the Social Security system as it stands today. While he stopped short of naming Trump directly, the message was unmistakable. Referencing a Republican plan that would require Congress to reauthorize Social Security every five years—or risk it expiring—Biden didn’t hold back.
“Who the hell do they think they are?” he said, his voice rising with emotion. “This isn’t just a line item on a budget. This is the lifeline for 73 million Americans who’ve worked their whole lives and earned this security.”
The former president drew a sharp contrast between his own administration’s policies and those of his successor, accusing Trump-era leaders of prioritizing tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations while putting essential programs like Social Security on the chopping block.
“They handed out trillions to the top 1%,” Biden said. “And now they want to balance the books on the backs of seniors? How do you sleep at night?”
Biden reaffirmed his unwavering support for Social Security, vowing to fight against any attempt to slash benefits or privatize the system. He urged lawmakers—on both sides of the aisle—to honor the promises made to the American people and to resist efforts that would destabilize one of the nation’s most critical safety nets.
“The American people didn’t work hard for decades just to see their retirement thrown into political chaos,” he said. “We need leaders who protect what’s sacred, not play games with it.”
His impassioned words drew thunderous applause and reignited a growing national conversation about the future of Social Security, an issue that could become central in the 2026 midterm elections and beyond.
While Biden has stepped away from the presidency, speeches like this show he’s still very much a political force—one determined to protect the values he’s long championed, even from outside the White House.
