Former President Joe Biden is making his return to the public eye with a speech focused on Social Security. This will be his first public address since leaving office. The event is set for Tuesday at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago. Biden will share the stage with notable figures, including former Senators Debbie Stabenow and Roy Blunt, as well as Martin O’Malley, the former governor of Maryland and former Social Security Administration commissioner.
The speech comes at a time when Democrats are concerned about the future of Social Security amid proposed cuts by the Trump administration. Biden’s remarks are expected to highlight the importance of Social Security and may include critiques of his predecessor, Donald Trump. The Democrats are currently searching for new leadership as they face a significant drop in approval ratings.
Rachel Buck, the Executive Director of ACRD, expressed enthusiasm for Biden’s participation, emphasizing the need for support for Americans who rely on Social Security after contributing throughout their working lives. O’Malley echoed this sentiment, calling Social Security a vital promise that must be upheld for future generations.
While Biden focuses on protecting Social Security, the Trump administration is reportedly looking to reduce the workforce at the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA announced plans to cut its staff from about 57,000 to a target of 50,000 employees. This reduction is part of a broader initiative by Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency to streamline federal spending. The SSA is also planning to close six regional offices that assist with services.
Democrats have criticized these cuts, arguing they jeopardize the support that many beneficiaries depend on. Some individuals receiving Social Security have reported longer wait times for assistance and issues with accessing their benefits online since the cuts were implemented.
The Trump administration has faced backlash, particularly aimed at Elon Musk, who serves as a senior adviser and has been vocal about addressing waste and fraud in government programs, including Social Security. The White House defended Musk’s stance, despite controversies regarding his comments on entitlement spending.
Recent reports indicate that the Social Security Administration made an estimated $72 billion in improper payments from 2015 to 2022, highlighting concerns over the efficiency of the program. Biden’s upcoming speech is likely to address these issues and reinforce the commitment to ensuring the stability of Social Security for all Americans.