Biden slams Trump and Musk for threatening Social Security protection

Former US President Joe Biden on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Donald Trump and his wealthy ally, Elon Musk, accusing them of aggressively undermining the Social Security Administration in what he described as a rapid attempt to dismantle key functions of the federal government.

In his first public address since leaving office, Biden refrained from naming Trump directly—his predecessor and now successor—but criticized the current administration for putting Social Security at risk.

He emphasized the program as a “sacred commitment” that over 70 million Americans depend on every month.

"This administration has managed to cause an astonishing amount of harm in under 100 days," Biden remarked while speaking at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago.

"It’s almost unbelievable how quickly things have unraveled."

While it's uncommon for a former president to re-enter the national spotlight so soon after leaving office, the 82-year-old Biden said the urgency of the matter compelled him to speak out.

He stressed that millions of retirees and disabled Americans are deeply concerned that their monthly payments could be delayed—or even withheld entirely.

On Tuesday, Democrats nationwide organized a coordinated day of action to raise awareness about the Trump administration’s intentions to scale back the Social Security Administration, according to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

In his address, President Biden cited significant staff reductions and cuts to services as part of the growing threat.

"For 90 years—since Franklin D. Roosevelt launched Social Security—Americans have consistently received their checks," Biden said.

"Whether during wars, economic downturns, or even a global pandemic, those payments never stopped. But now, for the first time, that certainty is in jeopardy. It would be a disaster for countless families."

Later that day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took a jab at Biden’s age when asked about his comments.

"I’m surprised he’s speaking this late," she quipped. "I thought his bedtime came much earlier."

Notably, Trump is 78.

Biden himself leaned into the humor, poking fun at Trump’s false claim that millions of people over 100 years old are still collecting Social Security.

"I’d love to meet them and learn their secret to such a long life," he said, prompting laughter from the audience.

"I’m trying to figure out the secret to longevity."

While both Trump and Musk have cited outdated data records, the so-called error is widely understood—and nearly all of those listed are not actually receiving benefits.

Donald Trump has maintained that his administration would leave Social Security untouched, while congressional Republicans have pushed back against Democratic claims, accusing them of spreading misinformation about their stance on the widely supported program.

Following President Biden’s speech, the Social Security Administration, through posts on X—Elon Musk’s platform—challenged several of his assertions.

The agency noted that Biden has "consistently vowed to safeguard Social Security and boost seniors’ income by eliminating taxes on their benefits."

Despite these assurances, the Trump administration’s actions have left the agency in disarray.

It has unveiled plans for major staff cuts and the closure of numerous field offices, while policy shifts already underway are beginning to disrupt services—creating anxiety among many who depend on the program.

Biden highlighted the emotional toll on recipients, stressing the uncertainty they're facing. “How can you sleep at night?” he asked, referencing the fear and stress endured by millions who rely on those monthly payments to get by.

Biden also took aim at Elon Musk, criticizing him for labeling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme.”

He further condemned remarks by Trump’s commerce secretary, billionaire Howard Lutnick, who recently suggested his 94-year-old mother-in-law wouldn’t be bothered if her Social Security check didn’t arrive one month.

Lutnick made the comments during an appearance on the All-In podcast, saying, "A fraudster always makes the loudest noise, screaming, yelling and complaining."

Biden responded, "She’s probably a wonderful woman," before adding, "Of course she wouldn’t miss the check—her son-in-law is a billionaire. But what about the 94-year-old woman living alone with no safety net?"

That same day, Trump signed a presidential memo titled Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits—a benefit undocumented individuals are already legally barred from receiving.